Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels in the body. When we eat, the pancreas releases insulin to help the body absorb glucose from the bloodstream and store it in cells for energy. In people with diabetes, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels.

Insulin therapy is the cornerstone of diabetes management for those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It involves injecting insulin into the body to mimic the natural insulin secretion of the pancreas and maintain normal blood glucose levels. There are several types of insulin available, each with its unique characteristics.

Types of Insulin:

There are several types of insulin available, each with its unique characteristics. The types of insulin differ in how quickly they start working when they reach their peak activity, and how long they last.

Rapid-acting insulin:

Rapid-acting insulin starts working within 15 minutes and reaches its peak activity in 30 minutes to 1 hour. It lasts for about 2-4 hours. Examples of rapid-acting insulin include insulin lispro, insulin aspart, and insulin glulisine.

Pros:

• Rapid-acting insulin is suitable for mealtime boluses or correction doses to treat high blood glucose levels quickly.
• It can be taken just before a meal or immediately after a meal.

Cons:

• It can cause low blood glucose levels if taken without adequate food intake or if the dosage is too high.

Short-acting insulin:

Short-acting insulin starts working within 30 minutes and reaches its peak activity in 2-4 hours. It lasts for about 4-6 hours. Regular insulin is an example of short-acting insulin.

Pros:

• Short-acting insulin can be used to cover meals or as a correction dose.
• It can be taken 30 minutes before a meal or immediately after a meal.

Cons:

• It has a slower onset than rapid-acting insulin.
• It requires more injections per day than other types of insulin.

Intermediate-acting insulin:

Intermediate-acting insulin starts working within 2-4 hours and reaches its peak activity in 4-12 hours. It lasts for about 12-18 hours. Examples of intermediate-acting insulin include NPH insulin and insulin detemir.

Pros:

• Intermediate-acting insulin can be used as basal insulin or to cover meals.
• It is less expensive than some of the other types of insulin.

Cons:

• It has a longer onset and duration than short-acting insulin.
• It can cause low blood glucose levels if taken without adequate food intake or if the dosage is too high.

Long-acting insulin:

Long-acting insulin starts working within 1-2 hours and has no peak activity. It lasts for about 24 hours. Examples of long-acting insulin include insulin glargine and insulin degludec.

Pros:

• Long-acting insulin can be used as basal insulin to provide a steady level of insulin throughout the day and night.
• It requires fewer injections per day than some of the other types of insulin.

Cons:

• It cannot be used to cover meals or as a correction dose.
• It may cause low blood glucose levels if the dosage is too high.

Combination insulin:

Combination insulin is a mixture of two types of insulin. Examples include 70/30 insulin, which contains 70% NPH insulin and 30% regular insulin, and 75/25 insulin, which contains 75% insulin lispro protamine suspension and 25% insulin lispro.

Pros:

• Combination insulin can provide both basal and bolus insulin coverage.
• It requires fewer injections per day than using two separate types of insulin.

Cons:

• It is less flexible than using separate types of insulin.
• It can cause low blood glucose levels if the dosage is too high or if food intake is inadequate.

Insulin Injection Do’s and Don’ts:

Here are some tips for insulin injection do’s and don’ts to ensure safe and effective insulin therapy:

Do’s:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before injecting insulin.
• Rotate injection sites to avoid developing lipo hypertrophy (a buildup of fat under the skin).
• Use a new needle for each injection to avoid infections.
• Inject insulin at room temperature to prevent discomfort.
• Keep insulin out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to avoid degradation.

Don’ts:

• Don’t reuse needles or syringes as they can cause infections and damage the needle.
• Don’t inject cold insulin as it can cause discomfort.
• Don’t inject insulin into a site that is bruised or tender.
• Don’t mix different types of insulin in the same syringe without consulting with your healthcare provider.
• Don’t skip doses or change your insulin regimen without consulting with your healthcare provider.

Here are some tips for using insulin that can help make the process easier and more effective:

1. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on when and how much insulin to take.
2. Keep a record of your blood glucose levels and insulin doses to help you and your healthcare provider adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
3. Make sure you know the correct technique for injecting insulin and practice good hygiene to prevent infections.
4. Rotate your injection sites to avoid developing lumps or fatty deposits under the skin (lipohypertrophy).
5. Always use a new needle or syringe for each injection to avoid infections and ensure the accuracy of your dosage.
6. Store insulin in a cool, dry place and never freeze it or expose it to extreme heat or sunlight.
7. If you are experiencing any problems or side effects related to insulin use, contact your healthcare provider right away.
8. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your insulin therapy is safe and effective and helps you manage your diabetes successfully.

Conclusion:

Insulin therapy is a critical component of diabetes management, and there are several types of insulin available to meet individual needs. A rapid-acting insulin is suitable for mealtime boluses, while long-acting insulin provides basal insulin coverage. It is essential to follow insulin injection do’s and don’ts to ensure safe and effective insulin therapy. If you have any questions or concerns about insulin therapy, consult with your healthcare provider.