Starting point is to find out exactly which insulin product it is and
look up the manufacturer's literature on it.

That will tell you what the story is for keeping the stuff.

Probably not something they test for product licencing. A few days
should be OK, but I'd not like to offer any sort of guarantee.

Not good. Contacting the local office could unfortunately be a problem
if it's a family member claiming the carer's allowance. Maybe a word
with her doctor's surgery about getting a health visitor to drop in as
an emergency thing? This will probably need to come from your Mother in
Law, though.

Depending on her eyesight, can she reliably distinguish between a loaded
& empty syringe?

Can you urgently get in touch with the local benefits office & politely
but firmly explain the problem? They may be able to arrange temporary
emergency cover without causing a crisis.

Possibly, but it's hardly best practice. Ideally, doses should be
checked against existing BG level & expected food consumption, &
adjusted accordingly, as discussed here on a number of occasions.

On the positive side, as long as she doesn't go too far out of control,
it shouldn't cause any long term harm if it's only for a week or two.
Maybe you could nip over as soon as practicable & discuss what she's
eating & check the dose. Then tell her to call you if there's a problem.
Can she do & would she be willing to tell you the results of a fasting
test & a post prandial test each day? Aim for a slightly higher reading
than normally desirable to avoid hypos, but not so high that she risks
ketosis.

Maybe someone who injects could please come in on this one?

You could also try misc.health.diabetes

I don't know how you arrived at that figure, Carers Allowance is only
£50.55 a week. Perhaps you are including something else. A minority of
carers are getting CA - for example, if they get another benefit there
is an 'overlapping rule' that means they get only an 'underlying
eligibility'. Also, you have to be occupied by caring duties a minimum
of 35 hours per week to be eligible. In addition, you are supposed to
inform the DWP if you leave GB - but I am damned if I would (if I
could get away), since CA is so stingy.

The lack of back up to allow carers to take a break is disgraceful,
all over the country. But many elderly people are difficult (read:
impossible) to persuade that they should have an assessment by social
services, or pay for care agency staff to come in to provide support.
The Attendance Allowance or DLA care component that your MiL must be
receiving for the CA to apply, is intended to be used for this sort of
purpose. Believe me, if you have not been a carer for any length of
time, you cannot begin to understand the desperate need for a break
from time to time.

Of course, none of this applies, if you meant a paid PA and not a
carer.

Regards, VivienB

Caring for disabled elderly father, on 30u Insulatard and
2x2 80mg Gliclazide per day (plus other medication)
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