New Type 1 Diabetes Gene Found in Children
New Type 1 Diabetes Gene Found In Children
A team of scientists in the US and Canada have discovered a gene variant
that is thought to increase a child’s risk for type 1 diabetes. The study is
published in the advanced online publication of the journal *Nature*.
Type 1 diabetes used to be called juvenile diabetes because it mostly begins
in childhood. It’s an autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys
the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. Type 1 is fatal unless
patients get frequent doses of insulin by injection to keep the body’s blood
sugar under control.
More and more scientists are investigating the genetics of type 1 diabetes
and the hope is this will lead to ways of preventing and treating the
disease.
Senior author of the study, and director of Pediatric Endocrinology at
McGill University, Dr Constantin Polychronakos said that it may one day be
possible to predict which children are at high risk of type 1 diabetes by
screening babies when they are born.
Since the unravelling of the human genome a few years ago, a new method
called genome wide association (GWA) has emerged, where specialists in
genetic research scan the DNA of patients and search over 500,000 genes for
markers of disease.
In this study, pediatrics researchers at The Children’s Hospital of
Philadelphia and McGill University in Montreal conducted such a search and
discovered a new gene called KIAA0350 which sits on chromosome 16, that
appears to play an important role in the development and maintenance of type
1 diabetes. They are carrying on with the project because they think this
gene is only one of many that work together to wipe out the insulin
producing cells. There could be as many as 15 or 20, they said in a prepared
statement about their work.
Lead author of the study, director of the Center for Applied Genomics at The
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Dr Hakon Hakonarson said:
"The genotyping technology we now have available has revolutionized the way
we can ask and answer research questions."
"Unlike the previous technology, which was quite limited and dealt largely
with relatively rare gene variants, we can now detect common genetic
variants that are important in large numbers of individuals, and begin to
understand how multiple genes interact in complex diseases such as
diabetes," added Hakonarson.
Hakonarson and colleagues scanned the genomes of 1,046 children with type 1
diabetes. They had access to DNA samples of patients and their families
attending pediatric diabetes clinics in Philadelphia in the US, and four
cities in Canada.
They then compared the genomes of 563 type 1 diabetes patients with those of
1,146 matched controls (children without the disease). The results were
combined with those from another indepedent search of 483 children and both
parents, where the genomes of all three family members were scanned in each
case.
The scientists found four locations where genes linked to type 1 diabetes
were already known to exist. But they also discovered a new locus on
chromosome 16, occupied by KIAA0350. They verified their results by
repeating the analysis on a cohort of 1,333 children with type 1 from the
Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium and another 390 family trios based in
Canada. The Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium includes children of
European descent in Europe, North America and Australia.
Scientists already know that KIAA0350 plays an important role in immune
cells, but what they don’t know exactly is what the protein that the gene
encodes does. Some research suggests the gene codes for a protein called
C-type lectin that binds to sugars and lives on the surface of immune cells.
Hakonarson emphasized that KIAA0350 has to be investigated to find out
exactly what it does. He said that scientists know that natural killer cells
(NKs) express this gene, some more abundantly than others depending on the
gene variant.
"Our hypothesis is that a special mutation in KIAA0350 may influence the
sugar binding of the protein, and trigger an autoimmune response that
activates these NK cells in such a way that they attack and destroy the
islet cells in the pancreas, resulting in type 1 diabetes," explained
Hakonarson.
The researchers said their hunch is that one variant of the gene encourages
the destruction of the pancreatic insulin producing cells, while another
variant stops it.
The GWA scan for this study was done at the Children’s Hospital of
Philadelphia’s Center for Applied Genomics which has the highly automated
analytic equipment that enables rapid scanning of a patient’s DNA. The
equipment shows the scanned patient’s genotype; it specifies each variant of
each of the patient’s 30,000 genes.
Other projects going on at the Center include finding genes linked to
childhood asthma, allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, hypertension,
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder, autism, and the pediatric cancer neuroblastoma.
*"A genome-wide association study identifies KIAA0350 as a type 1 diabetes
gene."*
Hakon Hakonarson, Struan F. A. Grant, Jonathan P. Bradfield, Luc Marchand,
Cecilia E. Kim, Joseph T. Glessner, Rosemarie Grabs, Tracy Casalunovo,
Shayne P. Taback, Edward C. Frackelton, Margaret L. Lawson, Luke J.
Robinson, Robert Skraban, Yang Lu, Rosetta M. Chiavacci, Charles A. Stanley,
Susan E. Kirsch, Eric F. Rappaport, Jordan S. Orange, Dimitri S. Monos,
Marcella Devoto, Hui-Qi Qu NS Constantin Polychronakos.
*Nature*: Published online 15 July 2007.
doi:10.1038/nature06010
June 4th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
I was wondering what size needles everyone is using. What is considered a
"longer needle" that some of you have found better results with? I am thinking
my needles aren’t long enough for me to get the full effect because I inject in
my abdomen and I am overweight. I have injected a few times this past weekend on
the inside of my upper arm and have felt more side effects than usual. I think
my skin is probably thinner there (and less fat.)
Thanks!
Cindy
June 5th, 2007 at 12:20 am
I was wondering what size needles everyone is using. What is considered a
"longer needle" that some of you have found better results with? I am thinking
my needles aren’t long enough for me to get the full effect because I inject
in my abdomen and I am overweight. I have injected a few times this past
weekend on the inside of my upper arm and have felt more side effects than
usual.
I think my skin is probably thinner there (and less fat.)
***
I didn’t know about using a longer needle and will ckeck into it. After 2
weeks I’m finding the appetite suppressing effect decreasing but noticed today
that it helps if I wait 30 to 45 minutes to eat after injection. I’ve been
eating almost right away until now. I also find I am hungrier at night and
need some old fashioned will power to not eat anything after dinner. During
the
day I could care less about food and am still able to eat small amounts of
healthy. I will try the evening injection under my arm. I will probably
increase to the 10 mcg in two weeks and hope I will tolerate that as well and
be
able to continue losing weight slowly. So far so good….
Suzanne
June 7th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Cindy, I would first suggest you go to the B-D Diabetes website and they
have a tool to help you choose the pen needle that’s right for you. From
everything I’ve read, those of us who are overweight should use the larger
needle in order to deliver the medication into the fat where it can be
easily absorbed. Because I’m needle phobic, I requested the short ones when
I first started Byetta. I went for nearly two months and wasn’t really
seeing any of the effects that I was told I would have. Then I spoke with a
Byetta sales rep at an education seminar and she gave me some samples of the
larger needle. What a difference that made almost instantly! Not only was
my blood glucose in tighter control but for the first time I experienced the
appetite suppression that so many users have had. My weight loss has been
derailed due to a knee injury in May and recent corrective surgery but I’m
hanging in there and feeling much better since changing needle sizes. And
my biggest fear of pain was blown away as I personally feel these less than
the others - the small ones had a tendency to bend once inside my skin.
June 9th, 2007 at 8:35 am
Hi Suzanne,
I wouldn’t suggest injecting UNDER your arm because there is not enough
subcutaneous fat there. The BACK of the upper arm is the better place.
Demetria-Beth
_____
In a message dated 7/16/2007 10:36:48 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
cklamb7@aol. <mailto:cklamb7%40aol.com> com writes:
I was wondering what size needles everyone is using. What is considered a
"longer needle" that some of you have found better results with? I am
thinking
my needles aren’t long enough for me to get the full effect because I inject
in my abdomen and I am overweight. I have injected a few times this past
weekend on the inside of my upper arm and have felt more side effects than
usual.
I think my skin is probably thinner there (and less fat.)
***
I didn’t know about using a longer needle and will ckeck into it. After 2
weeks I’m finding the appetite suppressing effect decreasing but noticed
today
that it helps if I wait 30 to 45 minutes to eat after injection. I’ve been
eating almost right away until now. I also find I am hungrier at night and
need some old fashioned will power to not eat anything after dinner. During
the
day I could care less about food and am still able to eat small amounts of
healthy. I will try the evening injection under my arm. I will probably
increase to the 10 mcg in two weeks and hope I will tolerate that as well
and be
able to continue losing weight slowly. So far so good….
Suzanne
June 9th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Hi Cindy…
That has been my experience too! The less fat, or the deeper the injection
the more side effects, and I’m taking that to mean more spit getting into my
system. The “longer needles” are 29 Gauge and have a pink label.
Demetria-Beth
_____
I was wondering what size needles everyone is using. What is considered a
"longer needle" that some of you have found better results with? I am
thinking my needles aren’t long enough for me to get the full effect because
I inject in my abdomen and I am overweight. I have injected a few times this
past weekend on the inside of my upper arm and have felt more side effects
than usual. I think my skin is probably thinner there (and less fat.)
Thanks!
Cindy
__________________________________________________________
AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what’s free from
AOL at AOL.com.
June 10th, 2007 at 12:42 am
Hi Suzanne,
I wouldn’t suggest injecting UNDER your arm because there is not enough
subcutaneous fat there. The BACK of the upper arm is the better place.
Demetria-Beth
Ah, you haven’t seen under my arm
Just kidding….I thought someone
posted that they were doing that. I’m getting very little results after two
weeks in terms of lower blood sugar but continue to have a mild appetite
suppressing effect. I made an appointment with my doctor for next Thursday and
will
see if he thinks I should start on the 10 pen in a few weeks. I also asked
him to call in a longer needle for me since the pharacist gave me a mini short
needle…and maybe that will help. Thanks, Suzanne
June 10th, 2007 at 9:39 am
I have the short needles as well, and am also, <sigh> in the overweight
category. I’ve been using my stomach as the injection site. However the last
few days I used my upper arm a few times because I was wearing tight slacks
and didn’t want to mess with them. No more obvious side effects (mine are
pretty minimal with the 5) but I *did* seem to notice better BG control. I
had a reading of 90 two hours post-prandial - first time in ages I’ve seen
sub-100 (except for the 55 reading I got after 5 hours of retching and
vomiting when I tried the 10 dose) so maybe I’ll keep using the arm site for
now.
June 10th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
I have the small needles and felt nothing at all when injecting in the
abdomen, but also felt nothing at all when injecting in my arm! I was afraid
to try there at first, but nothing to it.
Debbie
June 11th, 2007 at 4:54 am
I just tried the fleshy part under the arm injection today just to try something
different. Hoping to gain back some of the early on effect of BYetta, the
appetite suppressant seems to leave after only a few months and the no desire to
eat feeling as well. Hoping by experimenting I may gain it back and stick with
the 5 pen.
I am still losing weight steady, working out and noticing many changes in my
body but am willing to try out things I see here that have worked for others
just to see how they work for me. When I injected it didn’t hurt, YEAH! but
very shortly after began stinging and still is after 20 minutes. No biggee to
me, merely an observation.
I know many of you speak of the longer needles, they mistakenly sent me those
once and I took them back after calling my doc. I tried one injection with them
and not being needle phobic was rather shocked at how much larger/longer they
seemed to me, I held it in place before injection for probably 5-10 minutes.
LOL If I had been shown how to use the pen using the longer needles, I doubt
it would have been an issue at all, but since they had me try out the short ones
first, it felt strange seeing the long ones.
If they work better, I’d give them a try again though. I wish I could try out a
couple first though before getting a huge box. Oh, perhaps I can from my
Diabetes Educator…I’ll have to check into that…before my prescription went
through, I had samples and then ran out of needles and the ones she gave me were
the long ones.
I have the small needles and felt nothing at all when injecting in the
abdomen, but also felt nothing at all when injecting in my arm! I was afraid
to try there at first, but nothing to it.
Debbie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
June 11th, 2007 at 6:48 am
I just tried the fleshy part under the arm injection today just to try
something different. Hoping to gain back some of the early on effect of BYetta,
the appetite suppressant seems to leave after only a few months and the no
desire to eat feeling as well. Hoping by experimenting I may gain it back and
stick with the 5 pen.
Hi Elizabeth:
I also tried using the fleshy part under the arm this morning and haven’t
noticed any increase in side effects. My morning sugar was 233 even with 20 mg
of Lantus at night and unless I have an infection of some kind the Byetta
isn’t doing much to control my sugar. The appetite suppressing effect has
decreased for me also after only two weeks, although I am still able to stay on
the Weight Watcher’s program without any problem.
I have an appointment with my primary physician next Thursday and will ask
about possibly going on metformin instead of the Lantus. It made me feel awful
when I tried it in the past but a friend of mine takes it with Prilosec
which I also take nowadays and said it makes all the difference. I was so
excited
about the possibility of getting my sugar under good control and being able
to lose weight. I have lost ten pounds in the two weeks and consider that a
gift but doubt it will continue with my current regiment. My doctor is
wonderful and pretty open to working with me until we find something that
works. I
couldn’t even get an appointment with an endocrinologist until mid December.
At any rate, I am a little disappointed but determined to figure out a way
to make this work. I will also try longer needles and see if that helps.
June 11th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
I am one of those injecting on the inside of my upper arm. I had been using
abdomen, but not getting much results. It was just an experiment for me to try
on my arm, and it seems to work for me. I have trouble reaching the back of my
arm enough to stick the needle in straight. I am also the one who was in tears
in my doctor’s office when they said they wanted me to do injections. I totally
freaked out. It still freaks me out a little, but I always freeze the injection
site a little with an ice cube or "freez pak."? I think it’s mostly just a
psychological thing because I’m such a big baby about the injections.
Cindy
,_W._,___
Wow, I consider you guys brave. It just seems to me it would hurt more to do the
injection under my arm, thats a tender area if someone grabs or pinches you
there. I used to draw ABGs when I worked in the hosptial and I it could just be
me but I think under the arm would rate right up there in an ouch site,lol.
Right now I am doing abdominal with the 31G 5/16th needles.
Tina D
–
Thank you
Tina Fermin
A Unique Find Gift Baskets & Gifts/1-877-231-7873
Sugar Free Cake & Custom Diabetic Gifts
www.auniquefindgiftbaskets.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
June 11th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I have the small needles and felt nothing at all when injecting in the
abdomen, but also felt nothing at all when injecting in my arm! I was afraid
to try there at first, but nothing to it.
Debbie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
June 12th, 2007 at 8:19 am
I noticed bruising on my abdomen. The shots don’t hurt although sometimes I
can feel them, but the next day I seem to be bruised a lot. Does anyone
else get this? Is it normal? One thing I can say is no on has ever called
me normal so I wouldn’t be surprised if I am the only one getting this.
Les
Day 10 of Byetta
I have the small needles and felt nothing at all when injecting in the
abdomen, but also felt nothing at all when injecting in my arm! I was
afraid
to try there at first, but nothing to it.
Debbie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
–
No virus found in this incoming message.
June 13th, 2007 at 2:52 am
Again.It is not UNDER the arm..but the back of your UPPER arm. My
grandmother called that area "chicken wings" because it gets "Floppy" when
you get older.
Demetria-Beth
_____
In a message dated 7/17/2007 9:48:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Anam-Cara@neb. <mailto:Anam-Cara%40neb.rr.com> rr.com writes:
I just tried the fleshy part under the arm injection today just to try
something different. Hoping to gain back some of the early on effect of
BYetta,
the appetite suppressant seems to leave after only a few months and the no
desire to eat feeling as well. Hoping by experimenting I may gain it back
and
stick with the 5 pen.
Hi Elizabeth:
I also tried using the fleshy part under the arm this morning and haven’t
noticed any increase in side effects. My morning sugar was 233 even with 20
mg
of Lantus at night and unless I have an infection of some kind the Byetta
isn’t doing much to control my sugar. The appetite suppressing effect has
decreased for me also after only two weeks, although I am still able to stay
on
the Weight Watcher’s program without any problem.
I have an appointment with my primary physician next Thursday and will ask
about possibly going on metformin instead of the Lantus. It made me feel
awful
when I tried it in the past but a friend of mine takes it with Prilosec
which I also take nowadays and said it makes all the difference. I was so
excited
about the possibility of getting my sugar under good control and being able
to lose weight. I have lost ten pounds in the two weeks and consider that a
gift but doubt it will continue with my current regiment. My doctor is
wonderful and pretty open to working with me until we find something that
works. I
couldn’t even get an appointment with an endocrinologist until mid December.
At any rate, I am a little disappointed but determined to figure out a way
to make this work. I will also try longer needles and see if that helps.
All the best, Suzanne
June 13th, 2007 at 8:01 am
I also had bruising on my abdomen.
Cindy
I noticed bruising on my abdomen. The shots don’t hurt although sometimes I
can feel them, but the next day I seem to be bruised a lot. Does anyone
else get this? Is it normal? One thing I can say is no on has ever called
me normal so I wouldn’t be surprised if I am the only one getting this.
Les
Day 10 of Byetta
I have the small needles and felt nothing at all when injecting in the
abdomen, but also felt nothing at all when injecting in my arm! I was
afraid
to try there at first, but nothing to it.
Debbie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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5:42 PM
June 13th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Again.It is not UNDER the arm..but the back of your UPPER arm. My
grandmother called that area "chicken wings" because it gets "Floppy" when
you get older.
Demetria-Beth
_____
In a message dated 7/17/2007 9:48:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Anam-Cara@neb. <mailto:Anam-Cara%40neb.rr.com> rr.com writes:
I just tried the fleshy part under the arm injection today just to try
something different. Hoping to gain back some of the early on effect of
BYetta,
the appetite suppressant seems to leave after only a few months and the no
desire to eat feeling as well. Hoping by experimenting I may gain it back
and
stick with the 5 pen.
Hi Elizabeth:
I also tried using the fleshy part under the arm this morning and haven’t
noticed any increase in side effects. My morning sugar was 233 even with 20
mg
of Lantus at night and unless I have an infection of some kind the Byetta
isn’t doing much to control my sugar. The appetite suppressing effect has
decreased for me also after only two weeks, although I am still able to stay
on
the Weight Watcher’s program without any problem.
I have an appointment with my primary physician next Thursday and will ask
about possibly going on metformin instead of the Lantus. It made me feel
awful
when I tried it in the past but a friend of mine takes it with Prilosec
which I also take nowadays and said it makes all the difference. I was so
excited
about the possibility of getting my sugar under good control and being able
to lose weight. I have lost ten pounds in the two weeks and consider that a
gift but doubt it will continue with my current regiment. My doctor is
wonderful and pretty open to working with me until we find something that
works. I
couldn’t even get an appointment with an endocrinologist until mid December.
At any rate, I am a little disappointed but determined to figure out a way
to make this work. I will also try longer needles and see if that helps.
All the best, Suzanne
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
June 13th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
I seem to be bruised a lot. Does anyone
else get this? Is it normal? One thing I can say is no on has ever called
me normal so I wouldn’t be surprised if I am the only one getting this.
****
I just have a belly full of little red dots that fade in a few
June 13th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Michael (and others who responded!),
Thanks so much for your response. I will definitely check out that website. It’s
hard to believe that the longer needle would be less painful/easier. It’s weird
how things work, isn’t it. Good luck to you!
Cindy
Cindy, I would first suggest you go to the B-D Diabetes website and they
have a tool to help you choose the pen needle that’s right for you. From
everything I’ve read, those of us who are overweight should use the larger
needle in order to deliver the medication into the fat where it can be
easily absorbed. Because I’m needle phobic, I requested the short ones when
I first started Byetta. I went for nearly two months and wasn’t really
seeing any of the effects that I was told I would have. Then I spoke with a
Byetta sales rep at an education seminar and she gave me some samples of the
larger needle. What a difference that made almost instantly! Not only was
my blood glucose in tighter control but for the first time I experienced the
appetite suppression that so many users have had. My weight loss has been
derailed due to a knee injury in May and recent corrective surgery but I’m
hanging in there and feeling much better since changing needle sizes. And
my biggest fear of pain was blown away as I personally feel these less than
the others - the small ones had a tendency to bend once inside my skin.
June 15th, 2007 at 5:02 am
it’s random bruising (meaning not every shot).
i can’t do my thigh, it hurts too bad.
as long as my husband does the fatty part of my arm (my inherited my
aunt’s flabby arms) it doesn’t hurt. but just fyi, when he did it
too close to elbow, it hurt like heck and i had to explain he
couldn’t go that low or too high.
hope that helps
June 15th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
I’ve not had any bruising, but I do occasionally bleed. I started a longer
needle yesterday, and I wasn’t thrilled with that, but I didn’t have any more or
less side effects than normal. It did sting a little afterward though.
Stacy in Indiana
it’s random bruising (meaning not every shot).
i can’t do my thigh, it hurts too bad.
as long as my husband does the fatty part of my arm (my inherited my
aunt’s flabby arms) it doesn’t hurt. but just fyi, when he did it
too close to elbow, it hurt like heck and i had to explain he
couldn’t go that low or too high.
hope that helps
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PM
June 16th, 2007 at 2:35 am
I haven’t noticed much difference from the 3/8" to the 5/8" needle, but I am
still on the 5mcg dose for another 2+ weeks before I go onto the 10 mcg.
I do struggle giving myself the injections though. I find it very hard to
jab myself with the needle, but then I found it hard to use the lancet when
I first started testing a while back. I assume that it will get easier as
time goes on. I guess I am just very wimpy when it come to sticking myself.
Les
I’ve not had any bruising, but I do occasionally bleed. I started a longer
needle yesterday, and I wasn’t thrilled with that, but I didn’t have any
more or less side effects than normal. It did sting a little afterward
though.
Stacy in Indiana
it’s random bruising (meaning not every shot).
i can’t do my thigh, it hurts too bad.
as long as my husband does the fatty part of my arm (my inherited my
aunt’s flabby arms) it doesn’t hurt. but just fyi, when he did it
too close to elbow, it hurt like heck and i had to explain he
couldn’t go that low or too high.
hope that helps
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6:30 PM
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June 16th, 2007 at 7:22 am
Jennifer, I started out with the 5/8" needles and never really saw any
benefit until I switched to the 1/2" ones. I’m considered obese and
everything I’ve read about injecting Byetta and/or insulin says that those
of us who are overweight will benefit the most by using the larger needles.
I’ve been using them now for two months and definitely notice the full
feeling and not wanting to eat as well as better control of my numbers. I’m
sure my A1C will show the true result and I’m due for one next month.
June 16th, 2007 at 11:40 am
One more thing, the 31G 1/4" needles are meant for children, thin adults,
and those who have needle phobia. From what you state, it sounds like your
Dr. should have at least given you the 5/8" needles.
> And it came with 1/4" needles. (NovoFine 31G).
> I’m a large person with most of my weight around my middle.
June 16th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Given the fact that the 1/4" needles are for thin individuals, I would
inject in an area without much fat (such as the upper arm). Read the
patient information brochure that came with your Byetta pen for a diagram of
suitable injection sites.
> Do you think it will be a better benefit if I start with these
> needles but inject in my upper arm or thigh?
June 16th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
And it came with 1/4" needles. (NovoFine 31G).
Do you all feel this is correct? I’ve been reading about the 1/2"
and the 5/8"…
I’m a large person with most of my weight around my middle.
Thanks!
Jennifer
June 17th, 2007 at 1:31 am
I started out with 3/8 and now I am up to 5/8. I had more side effects with the
shorter needle but I was putting it in my leg then. I have cushing’s so my legs
are thin, and I have all my weight in my stomache. With the longer needles I
have been doing it in my belly with little side effects.
Stacy
And it came with 1/4" needles. (NovoFine 31G).
Do you all feel this is correct? I’ve been reading about the 1/2"
and the 5/8"…
I’m a large person with most of my weight around my middle.
Thanks!
Jennifer
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6:10 PM
June 17th, 2007 at 4:23 am
Mine came with the 3/8th " needles and my doc prescribed the 5/8th " ones .
So I finally got my prescription of Byetta.
And it came with 1/4" needles. (NovoFine 31G).
Do you all feel this is correct? I’ve been reading about the 1/2"
and the 5/8"…
I’m a large person with most of my weight around my middle.
Thanks!
Jennifer
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June 17th, 2007 at 10:02 am
Hi Les…
Just some thoughts. The 3/8” needle is for children and underweight adults.
The 5/8” needles is recommended for Adults. The ½” is the longer one that
we are switching to. If you will stick in the abdomen below the belly
button line, you’ll find that there is little to no pain. When I stick
myself there, I never feel it. No stinging, nothing even with the 10. As
you start getting above the belly button line, there are more nerve endings.
Also there is a ring around the belly button for 1 inch all the way around
that is a little richer in nerve endings. And yes, it does get easier the
longer you do it.
Demetria-Beth
_____
I haven’t noticed much difference from the 3/8" to the 5/8" needle, but I am
still on the 5mcg dose for another 2+ weeks before I go onto the 10 mcg.
I do struggle giving myself the injections though. I find it very hard to
jab myself with the needle, but then I found it hard to use the lancet when
I first started testing a while back. I assume that it will get easier as
time goes on. I guess I am just very wimpy when it come to sticking myself.
Les
I’ve not had any bruising, but I do occasionally bleed. I started a longer
needle yesterday, and I wasn’t thrilled with that, but I didn’t have any
more or less side effects than normal. It did sting a little afterward
though.
Stacy in Indiana
it’s random bruising (meaning not every shot).
i can’t do my thigh, it hurts too bad.
as long as my husband does the fatty part of my arm (my inherited my
aunt’s flabby arms) it doesn’t hurt. but just fyi, when he did it
too close to elbow, it hurt like heck and i had to explain he
couldn’t go that low or too high.
hope that helps
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June 17th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Jennifer, If it were me, I’d stick with the 31G for now until you get more
comfortable and learn the reactions of your body. There will be times later
when you will want to start experimenting, but as for now, I’d wait. Just
my opinion..Good luck and I hope the spit works as good for you.
Demetria-Beth
_____
So I finally got my prescription of Byetta.
And it came with 1/4" needles. (NovoFine 31G).
Do you all feel this is correct? I’ve been reading about the 1/2"
and the 5/8"…
I’m a large person with most of my weight around my middle.
Thanks!
June 17th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Mine came with the 3/8th " needles and my doc prescribed the 5/8th " ones .
***
I’ve also been using the baby needle 3/16 for my first three weeks and after
two weeks and ten pounds off it feels like the Byetta has all but stopped
working. I am switching to 10 mcg and the 5/16" needle tonight. Hope I can
handle it and that it starts working again. I plan to put my sea bands on and
chomp on ginger slices just in case…Wish me well!
Suzanne
Selflessness is the goal , not self-realization.
June 17th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Jennifer, my insurance plan has a $25 co-pay for needles and/or syringes.
However, as long as you purchase them a the SAME TIME as your Byetta or
insulin, there is no cost but if I do separate purchases I have to pay. I
have Premera BC/BS but I have heard that other companies have a similar
policy so you might want to call your provider and ask if they do as well.
And, while I personally would not recommend it, I know that other users on
this list reuse their pen needles at least twice, sometimes more, before
changing to a new one in order to curtail out of pocket expenses. Just make
sure you recap it and remove from your Byetta pen before storage if you
decide to go that route, otherwise your pen could leak.
June 18th, 2007 at 6:27 am
**** Hi Jennifer:
I’m built like you and received my Byetta with the (mini) baby needle and it
…I am determined to make this work and to lose weight in the
stopped working after ten days probably because I wasn’t getting enough of a
dose. I now have the 5/8 and took my first 10 mcg a few hours ago. I feel a
little headachy and a bit dizzy but no naseau…the lizard seems to like me.
process….I’d try a larger needle if you’re not getting the full effect.
were
you….How are you feeling? Suzanne
Selflessness is the goal , not self-realization.
June 18th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Unless my math is wrong, the 5/8" needle is longer than the 1/2".
Stacy
Hi Les.
Just some thoughts. The 3/8" needle is for children and underweight adults.
The 5/8" needles is recommended for Adults. The ½" is the longer one that
we are switching to. If you will stick in the abdomen below the belly
button line, you’ll find that there is little to no pain. When I stick
myself there, I never feel it. No stinging, nothing even with the 10. As
you start getting above the belly button line, there are more nerve endings.
Also there is a ring around the belly button for 1 inch all the way around
that is a little richer in nerve endings. And yes, it does get easier the
longer you do it.
Demetria-Beth
_____
I haven’t noticed much difference from the 3/8" to the 5/8" needle, but I am
still on the 5mcg dose for another 2+ weeks before I go onto the 10 mcg.
I do struggle giving myself the injections though. I find it very hard to
jab myself with the needle, but then I found it hard to use the lancet when
I first started testing a while back. I assume that it will get easier as
time goes on. I guess I am just very wimpy when it come to sticking myself.
Les
I’ve not had any bruising, but I do occasionally bleed. I started a longer
needle yesterday, and I wasn’t thrilled with that, but I didn’t have any
more or less side effects than normal. It did sting a little afterward
though.
Stacy in Indiana
it’s random bruising (meaning not every shot).
i can’t do my thigh, it hurts too bad.
as long as my husband does the fatty part of my arm (my inherited my
aunt’s flabby arms) it doesn’t hurt. but just fyi, when he did it
too close to elbow, it hurt like heck and i had to explain he
couldn’t go that low or too high.
hope that helps
———————————————————-
–
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Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.8/906 - Release Date: 7/17/2007
6:30 PM
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
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6:10 PM
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6:10 PM
June 18th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Standard pen needle sizes are: 31Ga 3/16" (B-D Ultra-Fine III Mini), 31Ga
5/16" (B-D Ultra-Fine III Short), and 29Ga 1/2" (B-D Ultra-Fine Original)
Unless my math is wrong, the 5/8" needle is longer than the 1/2".
June 18th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
My insurance must be similar. When the doc gave me the first month of
Byetta, I had to go and buy needles, which ran me $28 but when I ordered 3
months of Byetta by mail, there was no charge for the needles.
I also don’t have to pay for my lancets or strips when I get them by mail.
Les
Jennifer, my insurance plan has a $25 co-pay for needles and/or syringes.
However, as long as you purchase them a the SAME TIME as your Byetta or
insulin, there is no cost but if I do separate purchases I have to pay. I
have Premera BC/BS but I have heard that other companies have a similar
policy so you might want to call your provider and ask if they do as well.
And, while I personally would not recommend it, I know that other users on
this list reuse their pen needles at least twice, sometimes more, before
changing to a new one in order to curtail out of pocket expenses. Just make
sure you recap it and remove from your Byetta pen before storage if you
decide to go that route, otherwise your pen could leak.
–
No virus found in this incoming message.
June 19th, 2007 at 4:37 am
Thanks everyone for the quick responses!
You’re all such a great resource.
I’m going to go with the small needle for the first few weeks… and
see what’s what.
Now a new question… anyone find a really cheap source for needles?
My insurance has a $35 copay for them (100 a box)… but looking on
line I see that you can buy them for about that, so there must be
even cheaper places lurking out there.
Anyone?
June 19th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Sure wish my plan did that. Unfortunately, it is important to test often to
manage your diabetes but the strips are often the most expensive part.
Except for Byetta, even my oral meds are cheaper than the test strips.
> I also don’t have to pay for my lancets or strips when I get them by mail.
June 19th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Hi Stacy….
It was my mistake…I didn’t look at the box and just used the measurements
that les said. Michael is right on the sizes. The 3/16 are the pediatric,
the 5/16 are for medium adults. The ½ are the largest for a pen. Sorry for
the mix up.
Demetria-Beth
_____
Standard pen needle sizes are: 31Ga 3/16" (B-D Ultra-Fine III Mini), 31Ga
5/16" (B-D Ultra-Fine III Short), and 29Ga 1/2" (B-D Ultra-Fine Original)
June 19th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
I found very inexpensive needles at Krogers Grocery Pharmacys in the
Atlanta Ga area. They sell Kroger brand,31g 5/16"(8mm) pen needles
for $11.99 per 100. Kroger is a regional grocery chain, but I’m sure
there are similar store brands available around the country.
My Insurance charges a $25 copay for the needles, so this is a much
better alternative for me.
June 19th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
I found very inexpensive needles at Krogers Grocery Pharmacys in the
Atlanta Ga area. They sell Kroger brand,31g 5/16"(8mm) pen needles
for $11.99 per 100. Kroger is a regional grocery chain, but I’m sure
*** In Massachusetts they are only available by prescription. I have a $10
co-pay for the needles and a $25 co-pay for the Byetta….could be worse.
Suzanne
June 20th, 2007 at 2:36 am
It’s okay. I was getting confused. I have the 5/16" and I hate the length.
Going to a longer one would freak me out!!
Stacy
Hi Stacy..
It was my mistake.I didn’t look at the box and just used the measurements
that les said. Michael is right on the sizes. The 3/16 are the pediatric,
the 5/16 are for medium adults. The ½ are the largest for a pen. Sorry for
the mix up.
Demetria-Beth
_____
Standard pen needle sizes are: 31Ga 3/16" (B-D Ultra-Fine III Mini), 31Ga
5/16" (B-D Ultra-Fine III Short), and 29Ga 1/2" (B-D Ultra-Fine Original)
Unless my math is wrong, the 5/8" needle is longer than the 1/2".
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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June 20th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Actually, the needles are 3/16 and 5/16 not 8ths. Thus the 1/2 are longer than
the 5/16ths. The 3/16 are usually for children and thin adults, the 5/16 are
for most adults.
And it came with 1/4" needles. (NovoFine 31G).
Do you all feel this is correct? I’ve been reading about the 1/2"
and the 5/8"…
I’m a large person with most of my weight around my middle.
Thanks!
Jennifer
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
June 20th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
I get my pen needles at Kroger and they are 14 dollars a box of 100.
Check out your local pharmacies and see what they charge. A lot of
things are cheaper to just buy outright than to use a copay. Generic
drugs are probably cheaper that way at Kmart or walmart.
June 20th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Les,
Who is your insurance and who do you order from?
Jim
June 20th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
My insurance for Rx is Medco .
Les
Les,
Who is your insurance and who do you order from?
Jim
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June 22nd, 2007 at 5:53 am
I did not know you could buy needles without a prescription? I wonder if
that is true in Texas. $14.00/100 for a box of pen needles is half of the
$30.00 co-pay I have to pay.