Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas that is present below the stomach. The pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream, circulates, and lets the sugar enter the cells. It is how insulin helps lower the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. As the blood sugar level starts dropping, insulin secretion from the pancreas decreases.
If you have type 1 diabetes, your body is not making any insulin, so you need to start insulin therapy immediately. This therapy tries to mimic natural insulin or non-diabetic insulin secretion.
In the case of type 2 diabetes, you can manage your diabetes with healthy eating and physical activities. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as insulin, injectable medications, or oral medicines to help control your blood glucose.
Most importantly, you need to eat healthily and remain active if you take insulin or other medicines for diabetes. Before knowing the basic tips on insulin use, one must know the types and modes of insulin commonly used.
Insulin is a vital hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy or storage, keeping blood sugar levels stable. Without sufficient insulin, blood sugar can rise to dangerous levels, leading to conditions like diabetes. For people with diabetes, taking insulin is essential to manage their blood sugar and prevent complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems. In essence, insulin is crucial for maintaining overall health and energy balance in the body.
3 Types of insulin commonly used are:
It quickly absorbs in your bloodstream and controls the blood sugar during meals and snacks to balance high blood sugar.
It is absorbed slowly but lasts longer to control the blood sugar overnight while fasting and between meals.
Is absorbed slowly and lasts a day to control the blood sugar overnight while fasting and between meals.
4 standard modes of taking insulin are:
The ultimate aim of insulin therapy is to restore normal insulin levels in your blood. Insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes involves injecting insulin or using an insulin pump. While for type 2 diabetes, injectable medications are recommended if oral medications are ineffective.
You can calculate how much insulin to take at meals and snacks to balance high blood sugar. Typically, one unit of rapid-acting insulin digests 12-15 grams of carbohydrates. This range can vary from 6-30 grams or more carbohydrates, depending on your insulin sensitivity. You can seek the help of your doctor to guide you in the same.
Managing and treating your diabetes include maintaining the proper balance between insulin dosage, eating habits, and daily physical activity. If you are unaware or don’t follow your treatment seriously, your blood sugar levels will become unmanageable, which can lead to complications.
To store your insulin properly, keep unopened insulin vials or pens in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Once opened, insulin can be kept at room temperature (below 86°F or 30°C) for up to 28 days. Avoid exposing insulin to direct sunlight or extreme heat, as it can spoil. Never freeze insulin, and always check the expiration date before use. If traveling, use an insulated bag with ice packs to keep the insulin cool. Proper storage ensures insulin remains effective and safe to use.
Insulin is a vital medication for managing diabetes, but it can have side effects and reactions. Common side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can cause symptoms like shaking, sweating, dizziness, and confusion. To prevent this, it’s essential to monitor blood sugar levels regularly and follow dosing instructions.
Other side effects may include weight gain and skin reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, or itching. In rare cases, insulin can cause allergic reactions, which may present as a rash, trouble breathing, or swelling in different body parts.
Some people might experience lipodystrophy, where the fat tissue under the skin becomes thick or lumpy from repeated injections in the same area. To minimize this, it’s advised to rotate injection sites. Always consult with a healthcare provider to manage any side effects or reactions effectively.
Disclaimer: The information given in this article is accurate to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend you consult your healthcare professional before taking insulin to manage your diabetes.
Disclaimer
Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.
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