What to Do if You Forgot to Take Your Long-Acting Insulin

What to Do if You Forgot to Take Your Long-Acting Insulin

If you forgot to take your long-acting insulin, the first thing to do is to stay calm and take the necessary steps to correct the situation. Here are the key actions to take:

Monitor Your Blood Sugar

  1. Check your blood sugar levels as soon as possible to determine the impact of missing your dose.
  2. Use your meter or a CGM to track your levels closely for the next few days.
  3. Keep a record of your readings to show your healthcare provider.

Take Action

  1. Eat a meal or snack with a moderate amount of carbohydrates to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
  2. Choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are digested slowly and won't cause a spike in blood sugar.
  3. Incorporate protein and healthy fats into your meal or snack to help slow down the digestion of carbohydrates.

Adjust Your Insulin Dose

  1. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you need to adjust your insulin dose to compensate for missing your long-acting insulin.
  2. Use a correction bolus if recommended by your healthcare provider to help bring your blood sugar levels under control.
  3. Monitor your levels closely after taking the correction bolus to ensure your levels are within your target range.

Maintain Your Routine

  1. Keep your daily routine as normal, including exercise and medication, to help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
  2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help your body function properly.
  3. Get enough sleep to help your body regulate its blood sugar levels.

Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider

  1. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you forgot to take your long-acting insulin.
  2. Discuss your situation with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
  3. Get guidance on how to manage your condition effectively.

Prevention is Key

  1. Set reminders on your phone or calendar to ensure you never miss a dose again.
  2. Place your insulin and supplies in a visible and accessible location to make it easy to remember to take your medication.
  3. Use a pill box or insulin bottle with a built-in alarm to remind you when it's time to take your medication.
  4. Make it a habit to check your supplies and ensure you have enough for the next few days.
  5. Develop a contingency plan with your healthcare provider in case you forget to take your medication in the future.

Remember, missing a dose of long-acting insulin can have serious consequences, so it's essential to take immediate action and stay in close communication with your healthcare provider. By following these steps, you can minimize the impact of forgetting your medication and get back on track.