Insulin and diabetes

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If you have type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is vital for replacing the insulin your body doesn't produce. Sometimes, people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes need insulin therapy if other treatments haven't been able to keep blood glucose levels within the desired range.

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Insulin delivery options

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Insulin doesn't come in pill form because the digestive system would break it down before it had a chance to work. But there are several choices for insulin delivery. Your doctor can help you decide which fits best with your lifestyle and treatment needs.

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Options include:

- Shots or pens. Insulin can be injected into the fat just below your skin with a syringe and needle or a pen-like device that hold insulin with a needle attached. How often depends on the type of diabetes you have, your blood sugar levels and how often you eat. It may be multiple times each day.

- Insulin pump. An insulin pump pushes small, steady doses of rapid-acting insulin into a thin tube inserted underneath your skin. These doses are delivered repeatedly throughout the day. There are several different kinds of insulin pumps available.

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Insulin therapy can sometimes be demanding, but it's an effective way to lower blood sugar levels. If you have any trouble with your insulin regimen, such as difficulty avoiding very low or very high blood sugar levels, be sure to talk to your doctor to see if any adjustments need to be made. By choosing an insulin regimen that fits your needs and lifestyle, you can prevent diabetes complications and lead an active, healthy life.

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Good to know

There are different types of insulins when it comes to the strength of the dosage as well as the speed of the acting times. Rapid insulin delivers the desired effect within 15 minutes while long-lasting insulin reaches the bloodstream several hours after injection and tends to lower glucose levels up to 24 hours. The standard and most commonly used strength in the United States today is U-100, which means it has 100 units of insulin per millilitre of fluid, though U-500 insulin is available for patients who are extremely insulin resistant. When traveling outside the US you need to ensure you get the correct type of insulin. If you would like to learn more about insulin visit ADA by clicking the image below.

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Source: The American Diabetes Association and Mayo Clinic

Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. In a case of medical emergency call 911.