Diabetes is an unforgiving, debilitating disease. It leaves its victims unable to produce insulin, a hormone that is essential to survival. Insulin allows cells within the body’s tissues to absorb sugars found in the bloodstream. The cells then convert that sugar into energy. Diabetes develops when the body is no longer able to produce sufficient levels of insulin.
When a person is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, they will more than likely be placed on insulin therapy, but may combine insulin injections with other medications. Unfortunately, those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes have no other option but to choose insulin therapy.
Types of Insulin
There are several types of insulin used in treating diabetes, but most are derived from animals, typically pigs. Each insulin type is categorized by how quickly it begins acting, when it reaches its highest peak and how long its effect lasts.
Regular insulin begins working just 30 minutes after injection. It then reaches its peak 2-4 hours later and lasts 6-8 hours afterward.
Long acting insulin can last up to 24 hours and is released slowly over time.
Intermediate-acting insulin begins working within a few hours after injection, peaks at 4-10 hours and may last up to 18 hours.
Rapid Acting insulin beings working just minutes after injection, but only lasts for a few hours.
How Insulin is Used to Treat Diabetes
Because insulin is a protein, it cannot be given orally. Acids within the stomach would break down the insulin before it could be used effectively. Therefore, the treatment is given through injection into the fatty layer that lies just beneath the skin. The location of the injection will have an effect on how rapidly the insulin begins to work. Injections into the abdomen produce the fastest absorption rate. The thighs, arms, or buttocks are also good places. Typically, diabetics use syringes to inject insulin, but pens and pumps have recently been introduced. This provides more options to the diabetic as far as how they receive their insulin doses.
More often than not, a single injection of intermediate-acting insulin in the morning hours is all it that is needed to maintain sufficient insulin levels. Rapid acting insulin may be needed in certain scenarios, or a second dosage of intermediate-acting insulin may be needed throughout the day. Long acting insulin is not regularly used. A doctor will advise a diabetic of the appropriate times to take insulin. Be sure to adhere to these guidelines, as an excessive amount of insulin can cause an adverse reaction. The symptoms of an insulin reaction can be as mild as feeling dizzy, or as severe as a coma. If signs of an insulin reaction occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Insulin therapy is used by over one million people every single day. While there is no known cure for this ailment, diabetics are able to carry on with their everyday lives thanks to insulin therapy. With proper insulin dosages and a healthy diet, a diabetic can live their life freely and happily.
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