Things to know about Insulin Therapy

Insulin therapy is a critical part of the treatment for diabetes patients. The goal of the therapy is to keep your blood glucose levels within the target range. If you are undergoing insulin therapy for diabetes, you must ensure that you are armed with all the finer details so you can prevent the onset of any complications.

Here are seven vital things you need to know about insulin therapy –

• The dose varies for each patient

The dose for insulin therapy may not be the same for all patients. A combination of intermediate or long-acting and rapid or short-acting insulin is normally used as part of treatment. In the case of critically ill patients, insulin sliding scales are used wherein the dose is determined by the sugar level. Speak with your doctor or healthcare provider about what works best for you.

• Insulin injections are user-friendly

New-age insulin pens have tiny needles that are hygienic and almost painless. Some of these can be administered through the skin using injectors without needles. Injections for insulin therapy are easy to use and completely safe.

• Insulin therapy may have mild side effects

Insulin therapy can have mild side effects on patients. The most common ones include weight gain, headaches, hypoglycaemia, itching, rash, and allergic reaction at the injection site. Patients may also experience flu-like symptoms, but these do not last long and are usually harmless.

• What are the dangers of taking insulin?

Insulin shots cause your body cells to absorb more glucose from the bloodstream. Therefore, taking too much insulin or administering insulin at the wrong time can cause your blood sugar levels to drop excessively. A sharp drop in blood sugar can lead to symptoms, like dizziness.

• How much insulin is permissible in a day?

Type 1 diabetes patients are usually recommended to start with two shots of two different types of insulin injection each day and then progress to 3-4 injections of different insulin types per day. The types of insulin to take depend on the patient’s blood sugar levels.

• When should you take insulin?

If you are taking long-acting or regular insulin, then your doctor will likely recommend you to take it 15-30 minutes before a meal. If you are taking insulin lispro, then you should administer it less than 15 minutes before having your meal because it works very quickly. Nevertheless, consult a doctor for proper guidance.

• What should you do if you miss a dose?

In case of a missed insulin dose, the plan of action depends on the type of insulin that was to be taken and how long ago the injection was meant to be administered. If you miss your insulin dose and realize it within 2 hours, then you can still inject your usual dose. If it has been over 2 hours since you have missed your mealtime dose, then it can be more complicated, as you may have another dose due post-mealtime or at bedtime. Therefore, it is best to consult a physician for advice.

Insulin therapy may be demanding at times, but it is an effective way to bring down blood glucose levels. In case you face trouble keeping up with your insulin regimen, speak with your physician/doctor to see if any adjustments need to be made.