Insulin Procedure

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body. It is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in managing diabetes.

What is Insulin Therapy?

Insulin therapy involves administering insulin to the body through injections or an insulin pump to help control blood sugar levels. This treatment is typically prescribed for individuals with type 1 diabetes, as their bodies do not produce enough insulin, and for some individuals with type 2 diabetes who require additional support to manage their condition.

Types of Insulin

• Rapid-acting insulin: Begins working within 15 minutes after injection, peaks in about 1 hour, and continues to work for 2 to 4 hours. Examples include lispro (Humalog), aspart (NovoLog), and glulisine (Apidra).
• Short-acting insulin: Begins working within 30 minutes after injection, peaks between 2 to 3 hours after injection, and has effects that last about 6 to 8 hours. An example is human insulin (Humulin, Novolin).
• Intermediate-acting insulin: Begins working in 1 to 2 hours, peaks in 4 to 12 hours, and has an effect for about 12 to 18 hours. Examples include NPH insulin (Novolin N, Humulin N) and lente insulin.
• Long-acting insulin: Begins working after several hours of injection and works to lower blood glucose levels evenly over a 24-hour period. Examples include glargine (Lantus, Toujeo) and detemir (Levemir).
• Premixed insulin: A combination of different types of insulin, such as a mix of short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin.

Administration Methods

Insulin can be administered through:

• Syringe injections: Using a needle and syringe to inject insulin into the subcutaneous tissue, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or arm.
• Insulin pens: A device that resembles a pen, which contains an insulin cartridge and is used for injection.
• Insulin pumps: Small devices that deliver continuous basal insulin and bolus doses as needed, through a catheter inserted under the skin.

Monitoring and Adjustments

To ensure effective insulin therapy, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. This can be done using:

• Glucose meters: Devices that measure blood glucose levels from a small blood sample.
• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): Devices that track glucose levels throughout the day and night, providing more detailed information about glucose trends.

Based on the results of these monitoring tools, insulin dosages may need to be adjusted to maintain optimal blood sugar control and minimize the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

Risks and Side Effects

Common side effects of insulin therapy include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Weight gain
• Lipodystrophy (abnormal distribution of body fat)
• Allergic reactions to insulin or the ingredients used in its production

It is essential for individuals undergoing insulin therapy to be aware of these potential risks and side effects and to work closely with their healthcare provider to manage them effectively.