5 Must Know Things About Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that your pancreas produces which allows body cells to consume glucose, the main source of energy for your body. This Insulin is an important regulator of glucose levels in your body.

When you are a diabetic, your body either produces less insulin or your body cells lose sensitivity to this hormone leading to increased levels of glucose in your bloodstream. In such conditions, doctors prescribe synthetic insulin from outside to help control your blood sugar level.

There are many types of insulin used for managing your diabetes. They’re usually described by how fast they start to work and how long their effects last.

1. Why do you need insulin?

If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not make any insulin. This means you need to take insulin every day to survive. If you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas does not make enough insulin or your body does not use it well. This means you may need to take insulin along with other medications to lower your blood sugar levels. Insulin helps you manage your blood sugar levels and prevents short-term or long-term serious health problems caused due to diabetes. These include damage to your eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels.

2. How do you take insulin?

Insulin cannot be taken as a pill because it would be broken down by your stomach acids. Instead, you need to inject it under your skin using a syringe, pen or pump. You can also inhale some types of insulin using a device that delivers a fine mist into your lungs. You need to take insulin at the right times and doses according to your doctor’s instructions. You also need to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and adjust your insulin accordingly.

3. What are the types of insulin?

Insulin is classified by how fast it starts to work (onset), when it is at maximum strength (peak time) and how long it works to lower your blood sugar (duration). Different brands of insulin vary in these characteristics, even if they’re the same type. Here are some common types of insulin:

a. Rapid-acting insulin starts working in 15 minutes, peaks in 1 hour and lasts for 2 to 4 hours. It is usually taken right before a meal and is often used with longer-acting insulin.

b. Rapid-acting inhaled insulin starts working in 10 to 15 minutes, peaks in 30 minutes and lasts for 3 hours. It is usually taken right before a meal and is often used with injectable long-acting insulin.

c. Regular/short-acting insulin starts working in 30 minutes, peaks in 2 to 3 hours and lasts for 3 to 6 hours. It is usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.

d. Intermediate-acting insulin starts working in 2 to 4 hours, peaks in 4 to 12 hours and lasts for 12 to 18 hours. It covers insulin needs for half a day or overnight and is often used with rapid- or short-acting insulin.

e. Long-acting insulin starts working in 2 hours, does not peak and lasts for up to 24 hours. It covers insulin needs for about a full day and is often used with rapid- or short-acting insulin when needed.

f. Ultra-long-acting insulin starts working in 6 hours, does not peak and lasts for 36 hours or longer. It provides steady insulin for long periods.

g. Premixed insulin combines intermediate- and short-acting insulin. It usually peaks vary and lasts for 10 to 16 hours. It is usually taken 10 to 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner.

4. How does your doctor choose the type of insulin for you?

Your doctor will prescribe the best type of insulin or insulins for you based on several factors, such as:

How active you are

The kind of food you eat

How well you’re able to manage your blood sugar levels

Your age &

How long does it take your body to absorb insulin and how long does it stay active (this is different for different people)

You may need to use a combination of insulins to achieve optimal blood sugar control. You may also need to change your type or dose of insulin over time as your body changes or as new types of insulin become available.

5. What are some tips for using insulin safely and effectively?

Insulin can help you manage your diabetes, but it can also cause side effects or complications if not used properly. Here are some tips for using insulin safely and effectively:

Store your insulin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use expired or damaged insulin.

Rotate your injection sites to avoid skin problems or changes in how your body absorbs insulin.

Check your blood sugar levels before and after taking insulin, and whenever you feel unwell, stressed or have symptoms of low or high blood sugar.

Learn how to recognize and treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Always carry a source of fast-acting sugar (sugar candies) with you in case of hypoglycemia.

Follow a healthy diet and exercise plan that matches your insulin regimen. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about how to adjust your insulin, food and activity levels depending on your blood sugar levels, goals and lifestyle.

Tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements or herbal remedies you are taking, as they may affect how your insulin works or interact with it.

Keep a record of your blood sugar levels, insulin doses, meals, snacks, physical activity and any other factors that may affect your diabetes management. This can help you and your doctor evaluate how well your insulin is working and make any necessary changes.

Insulin is a vital part of diabetes treatment for many people. By understanding how it works, choosing the right type for you and using it correctly, you can improve your blood sugar control and reduce your risk of diabetes complications.

These are some of the common questions about insulin, if you like do share this with your friends, and family members who use insulin regularly.

If you still have any unanswered questions on insulin please submit the same in the form below.