If you are diabetic, you may use synthetically prepared insulin via intramuscular injections to help manage your blood sugar levels. However, with the different types of insulin that exist today, you may be confused about how they work and when they are administered.
Insulin is a hormone secreted by your pancreas. Its main function is to prevent your blood sugar levels from increasing to dangerously high levels. In some people, insulin is either produced in lesser amounts or is not as effective in bringing down blood sugar levels. This results in diabetes.
If you are diabetic, you may use synthetically prepared insulin via intramuscular injections to help manage your blood sugar levels. However, with the different types of insulin that exist today, you may be confused about how they work and when they are administered.
When Is Insulin Needed?
Insulin medication is provided to people with:
Types of Insulin
Keeping in mind different lifestyles, systemic conditions, age groups and other factors, your doctor will prescribe the right type of insulin for you. Let's understand more about the 6 different types of insulin and the time span of action for each one.
This insulin begins acting within 15 minutes of being injected into the body, and its action lasts for 2 to 4 hours. A rapid-acting insulin is usually administered right before a meal to prevent blood sugar levels from spiking. This type of insulin is often prescribed along with long-acting insulin.
Regular insulin acts around 30 minutes after entering the body and lasts for 3 to 6 hours. It is also called short-acting insulin and can be injected long before mealtime as compared to rapid-acting insulin. This group of insulins is prescribed to prevent a spike in blood sugar levels after a meal.
Intermediate-acting insulin is less commonly used and can work for around half a day. Its activity begins 1 to 2 hours after entering the body, and its effects can last for as long as 12 hours. This injectable is preferred for insulin coverage overnight.
Long-acting insulins begin their effect 2 to 4 hours after entering the body and can work for 24 hours. In many cases, this insulin needs to be taken first thing in the morning. You may also need ultra-rapid or rapid-acting insulin to supplement its effects.
This group of insulins takes about 6 hours to begin its effect but lasts from 36 to 42 hours. That said, unlike long-acting insulin, ultra-long-acting insulins do not peak. This property reduces the chance of having a low blood sugar level at any time during the day.
As the name suggests, this group of insulins is inhaled, and you will see its effects around 12 to 15 minutes of being inhaled. Their levels usually peak around 30 minutes after inhalation and can last up to 3 hours, after which they are eliminated from the body. These are often combined with long-acting insulin for a more sustained effect.
Intermediate-acting, long-acting and ultra-long-acting insulins are also called basal insulin. Their main goal is to maintain optimum blood glucose levels during an extended period of fasting, especially during sleep. This regimen of prescribing insulin mimics the body's natural release of the hormone.
Apart from basal insulin, once daily, twice daily, sliding scale and insulin pump therapy may be advised. Your doctor will determine the insulin dosage after evaluating your health parameters.
In Closing
If you have diabetes, knowing which kind of insulin to use and calculating your doses is necessary to keep your blood sugar levels from spiking. Always consult your doctor before adjusting your insulin levels.
Ensure a healthy pregnancy even when diabetes strikes!
Gestational Diabetes Symptoms, Risks Factors and CausesSteer Clear of Diabetic Complications During Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes which develop in some women during pregnancy due to high blood sugar level. It has no symptoms or they may be mild, such as being thirstier than normal. Your doctor will suggest an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If the results of the this test show high blood glucose, you will return for an OGTT test to confirm the diagnosis of gestational diabetes.Diarrhoeal Infection and The Reasons Causing it
Diarrhoea is a condition of having at least 3 or more times loose and watery stool bowel movements. It can happen at any time to any age group of people. By knowing the symptoms doctors suggested medicines. You can use probiotic supplements also in the treatment of diarrhoea.