Blood glucose test | Who needs insulin | Types of Insulin | How to take insulin | Insulin storage
Insulin is a hormone that is used to treat diabetes. Thanks to it, glucose penetrates into the cells of muscle and fat tissue more easily. In addition, it reduces sugar production in the liver and enhances its conversion to other chemical compounds.
Administered insulin injection helps compensate for the lack of insulin production in the body. Insulin can be taken as subcutaneous injections.
Blood glucose test
The use of a blood glucose meter and a dry test are two fundamental studies used to evaluate the concentration of glucose in the blood.
Blood is tested before meals, before insulin injections, or 2 hours after meals. If a person notices significant fluctuations in glucose levels, he must additionally use the meter before bedtime and at night (from 24:00 to 3:30 in the morning).
Who needs insulin
Insulin injections are required for patients suffering from type 1 diabetes. Some patients with type 2 diabetes also take insulin based on the recommendation of a doctor, if oral medication is no longer effective or when drug treatment cannot be performed due to chronic complications of the disease.
Women with diabetes are forced to switch from drugs to insulin during pregnancy and during planning. This change is also necessary in people with diabetes who experience pneumonia, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Types of Insulin
The following types of insulin are distinguished:
Fast-acting insulin is a short-acting insulin that must be taken 30 minutes before meals. This type of insulin has the most powerful effect within 1-3 hours after it enters the body. It works for 8 hours.
Intermediate-acting insulin – used before a hearty lunch. It works around the clock but is most effective between 4 and 12 hours after injection.
Long-acting insulin, active for more than 24 hours.
How to take insulin
There is currently no need to think about how to take insulin. Insulin is packaged in cartridges, which are enough for several injections. You need to change only miniature disposable needles. The injection is almost imperceptible. The injection is done in the abdomen, thigh or shoulder. It is important not to inject insulin into the muscles.
Personal automatic insulin pumps themselves measure the required dose. You should always have them with you. They can be carried behind a belt or in a pocket. Insulin dispensers are programmed so that insulin is administered in appropriate doses.
Insulin pumps are recommended for use by patients suffering from uncontrolled diabetes (characterized by large fluctuations in blood sugar, which are very difficult to level with drugs).
Insulin storage
Insulin requires special conditions for storage. Keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8 degrees, in a dark place. Insulin should not be frozen. Before use, pay attention to its color and texture. If they have changed, insulin needs to be thrown out.