Insulin Therapy

Insulin therapy, also known as insulin replacement therapy, is a medical treatment that involves the administration of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Long-acting insulin: Takes effect after several hours of injection and works to lower blood glucose levels evenly over a 24-hour period.

Purposes of Insulin Therapy

The primary purposes of insulin therapy are to:

• Regulate blood sugar levels and prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Prevent long-term complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.

Administration Methods

Insulin can be administered through:

• Syringes: Using a needle and syringe to inject insulin into the subcutaneous tissue.
• Insulin pens: A device that resembles a pen, which contains an insulin cartridge and a fine needle for injection.
• Insulin pumps: Small devices that deliver continuous doses of insulin throughout the day.

Monitoring and Adjustments

To ensure effective insulin therapy, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. This involves:

• Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) using a glucometer to track blood sugar levels.
• Adjusting insulin doses based on blood glucose readings, diet, and physical activity.

Potential Side Effects

Possible side effects of insulin therapy include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Weight gain.
• Lipodystrophy (abnormal distribution of body fat).
• Allergic reactions to insulin or the injection site.

Importance of Patient Education

Proper patient education is crucial for effective insulin therapy. This includes instruction on:

• Insulin administration techniques.
• Blood glucose monitoring and record-keeping.
• Dietary management and meal planning.
• Recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.