Today’s guest blog is from Lesley Hoffman, a fellow type 1 and member of ACT1 support groups. We are very happy to have her blog for us from time to time 
As unpredictable as Diabetes is, I have found Symlin to be ten times worse. I originally went on it so I could take less Insulin, maybe shed a few pounds and to help me feel full faster. When my doctor went over the side effects, she said I would almost definitely have some of them. She was right — the first night on Symlin was not fun. I was so nauseated, really dizzy and had to station myself on the couch for the rest of the night. But it got better and the side effects gradually went away.
I know my exact Insulin to carb ratio, my basal rates are pretty set (for now) and I know what my correction is based on time of day, level of activity and other factors. I also have my temporary basal worked out when I exercise every morning and my last A1C was excellent. The downside to being in good control was of course, gaining weight. The Symlin was supposed to help this. Symlin is not an exact science. If I eat 45 carbs for lunch, for example, I give myself 3/4 of my total Insulin dose and I give myself 15 units of Symlin. If I eat 90 carbs for dinner (not likely, but just go along with it…), I also give myself 3/4 of my total Insulin dose and 15 units of Symlin. So – those same 15 units cover the Insulin I’m missing for the smaller carb meal and for the larger carb meal.
It just doesn’t make much sense. And it really bugs me! Diabetes has trained me to be meticulous about numbers and rather obsessive compulsive about everything else in my life. (It’s probably not Diabetes’ fault…I’m sure it’s just my personality, but its oh so fun to blame the big D). Plus, I have only shed a few pounds at the most.
I can’t decide if I should continue using it. It’s annoying, doesn’t always quite work out and is kind of unreliable. Although when someone asks if I’m on injections or a pump, it’s sort of fun to say that I’m on both!!
What to do, what to do…
I had asked my endo about Symlin & she gave me an rx for it. That was probably 6 months ago or longer. It’s still sitting in my fridge untouched. I wanted to try it for pretty much the same reasons as you. I’ve also heard it helps keep postprandial numbers more in range. However I don’t do well with nausea at all so I’ve been afraid. I also gave up injections when going on the pump and am very sure I don’t want to go back to taking them. I think I’ve come to the realization that I’m not going to try it. If the benefits outweigh the side effects or inconvenience, I’d stick with it. If not, maybe it’s not worth it.
Lesley, I understand your confusion. I have had it explained to me multiple times and the dosage is so unlike insulin I just can’t wrap my mind around it it. Still, if I am ever well enough to try it, I think I would. If for no other reason than to satisfy my curiousity. I hope you are able to make the decision that works best for you.
Lesley- hello! I don’t use symilin. I still wanted to give you a hug and tell youto hang in there:)