By Dr. Divya Mandial | 28th Feb 2023
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.
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.
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.
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