How Can I Keep My Blood Sugar Level From Getting Too High Or Too Low
You need to check your blood sugar level regularly using a blood glucose monitor. Your doctor or his or her office staff can teach you how to use the monitor. Youll need to write down each measurement and show this record to your doctor. He or she will use this information to decide how much insulin is right for you.
Blood sugar measurements can vary depending on your lifestyle. Stress levels, how often you exercise, and how fast your body absorbs food can affect measurements. Hormonal changes related to puberty, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy can, too. Illness, traveling, or a change in your routine may mean that you have to monitor your blood sugar level more often.
Disposal Of Used Insulin Syringes
Used syringes, pen needles, cannulas and lancets must be disposed of in an Australian Standards-approved sharps container, which is puncture-proof and has a secure lid. These containers are usually yellow and are available through pharmacies, local municipal councils and state or territory diabetes organisations such as Diabetes Victoria.
Procedures to dispose of sharps containers vary from state to state.
For sharps disposal information and help, you can contact:
- state or territory diabetes organisations, such as Diabetes Victoria
- state Department of Health
Insulin needs to be stored correctly. This includes:
- Store unopened insulin on its side in a fridge.
- Keep the fridge temperature between 2 and 8 °C.
- Make sure that insulin does not freeze.
- Once opened, keep it at room temperature for not more than one month and then dispose of it safely.
- Avoid keeping insulin in direct sunlight.
Extreme temperatures can damage insulin so it doesn’t work properly. It must not be left where temperatures are over 30 °C. In summer your car can get this hot so don’t leave your insulin there.
There are various insulated insulin carry bags available for transporting insulin.
What Is Insulin And Why Do I Need It
Insulin is a hormone that controls the level of blood sugar in your body. People with diabetes may not have enough insulin or may not be able to use it properly. The sugar builds up in the blood and overflows into the urine, passing out of your body unused. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems.
All people with type 1 diabetes, and some people with type 2 diabetes, need to take insulin to help control their blood sugar levels. The goal in treating diabetes is to keep the blood sugar level within a normal range.
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Factors That Speed Insulin Absorption
Variation in insulin absorption can cause changes in blood glucose levels. Insulin absorption is increased by:
- injecting into an exercised area such as the thighs or arms
- high temperatures due to a hot shower, bath, hot water bottle, spa or sauna
- massaging the area around the injection site
- injecting into muscle this causes the insulin to be absorbed more quickly and could cause blood glucose levels to drop too low.
What Happens When You Puncture An Insulin Vial
One common question I get from diabetic patients is, how long does a vial of insulin last after opening?
The answer is simple: once you puncture an insulin vial, the clock starts ticking, and the insulin will begin losing its potency. How quickly this happens depends on the type of insulin and its storage.
Here are the lifespans of different insulin brands after opening the new vial or pen:
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How To Take Long
Usually, you inject long-acting insulin once a day to keep your blood sugar levels steady. You use a needle or pen device to give yourself the injection. Be sure to inject your long-acting insulin at the same time every day to avoid lags in insulin coverage or stacking your insulin doses. Stacking means taking your doses too close together, causing their activity to overlap.
Your doctor might recommend adding short-acting insulin before a meal to prevent a blood sugar spike after you eat.
If you change brands of long-acting insulin, you may need a different dose. Talk to your doctor if you change brands of any insulin.
As with any medicine you take, insulin injections can cause side effects.
One possible side effect is low blood sugar . Symptoms of low blood sugar
How Is An Insulin Injection Given
To get insulin into your bloodstream, you can:
- Inject it with a needle .
- Use an injection pen to deliver the insulin.
Your provider will give you specific injection instructions. Choose a new injection site each time you give yourself regular insulin. Using the same injection site can result in skin lumps, pits and thickening.
You may inject insulin in your:
- Upper outer thigh.
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Insulin A To Z: A Guide On Different Types Of Insulin
Elizabeth Blair, A.N.P., at Joslin Diabetes Center, helps break down the different types of insulin and how they work for people with diabetes. Types of Insulin for People with Diabetes Rapid-acting: Usually taken before a meal to cover the blood glucose elevation from eating. This type of insulin is used with longer-acting insulin. Short-acting: Usually taken about 30 minutes before a meal to cover the blood glucose elevation from eating. This type of insulin is used with longer-acting insulin. Intermediate-acting: Covers the blood glucose elevations when rapid-acting insulins stop working. This type of insulin is often combined with rapid- or short-acting insulin and is usually taken twice a day. Long-acting: This type of insulin is often combined, when needed, with rapid- or short-acting insulin. It lowers blood glucose levels when rapid-acting insulins stop working. It is taken once or twice a day. A Guide on Insulin Types for People with Diabetes Type Brand Name Onset Peak Duration Rapid-acting Humalog Novolog Apidra 10 – 30 minutes 30 minutes – 3 hours 3 – 5 hours Short-acting Regular 30 minutes – 1 hour 2 – 5 hours Up to 12 hours Intermediate- acting NPH 1.5 – 4 hours 4 – 12 hours Up to 24 hours Long-acting Lantus Levemir 0.8 – 4 hours Minimal peak Up to 24 hours To make an appointment with a Joslin diabetes nurse educator, please call 732-2400.Continue reading > >
When Should I See My Doctor
If you are using this type of insulin as needed, call your doctor if the blood sugar level becomes too low . Your dose may need to be adjusted. Also seek medical attention if it is so high that complications arise like diabetic ketosis where the body produces too much acid and the blood becomes highly acidic, putting you at risk for coma.
Symptoms of DKA include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Sudden weight loss
If you notice signs or symptoms of ketoacidosis such as confusion, drowsiness, increased thirst, increased urination nausea stomach pain vomiting shortness of breath tiredness, and trouble breathing while sleeping , seek medical attention immediately. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps turn sugar from food into energy the body can use. In people with diabetes, either their own pancreas doesnt make enough insulin or their cells dont respond appropriately to insulin and cannot get sugar out of the bloodstream. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood causing high blood glucose levels which is extremely dangerous. If left untreated, this will cause serious damage to many parts of the body including the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves over time.
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How Does It Work
Type 1 Diabetes, formerly known as Juvenile Onset Diabetes, is an autoimmune disorder that often develops at younger ages, however can occur at adulthood as well. It is believed that the immune system of the Type 1 Diabetic attacks the cells in the Pancreas called Beta Cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate levels of blood sugar in the bloodstream. Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes can include excessive hunger, thirst and urination, weight loss, blurred vision and tingling in the hands and feet. For people who do not have Diabetes, insulin is produced at a normal, constant levels on a consistent basis, with surges of extra insulin released after meals are ingested. Without the Beta Cells in the Pancreas producing insulin, there is no way for the blood glucose to be controlled in a Type 1 Diabetic without proper medical intervention. Uncontrolled Blood Glucose levels can be life-threatening and need to be managed as quickly as possible by a physician.
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What Are The Risks Of A Regular Insulin Injection
The risks of short-acting insulin include:
- Hyperglycemia : Seek immediate help if you have signs of hyperglycemia. These include dizziness, dry mouth and skin, nausea and increased urination.
- Hypoglycemia : Seek immediate help if you have signs of hypoglycemia. These include dizziness, confusion and vision changes. To prevent hypoglycemia, make sure to eat about 30 minutes after injecting insulin.
- Hypokalemia : Signs of low potassium include irregular heartbeat, weakness and muscle cramps.
- Severe allergic reactions: Allergic reactions from regular insulin injections are rare. Seek medical attention immediately if you have signs of anaphylaxis. These signs include severe dizziness, trouble breathing or skin rash or swelling, especially of your tongue, throat or face.
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Things To Consider Before Taking Insulin
You always need to be aware of what youre eating when you take insulin. Some people might be able to tolerate it well but others, not so much. Make sure you read up on any foods you want to consume and find out if they are good for insulin users.
And most people can still play sports with their injections. Just make sure your doctor is aware of it beforehand. Its important to note that exercise may affect the absorption rates of the insulin high in carbs or sugars could throw off blood glucose levels, especially if youre just starting out with your injections.
Also, you should take a physical examination before using insulin. Yes, it is important that a doctor or a specialist approves of the use of insulins for each person. Its also vital to have regular check-ups so as to monitor blood sugar levels and any possible side effects from taking insulin.
When it comes to pregnant women who have diabetes, They have to be extra careful. Pregnant women usually require very low doses of short-acting insulin per day due to changes in their body composition many dont even need it at all.
The use of short-acting insulin is pretty simple. However, there are many medical things that can get in the way of a person being able to take their injections regularly and effectively. If someone cannot take their injections regularly then theyre going to have problems managing their disease and making sure that their condition doesnt get worse.
What Is A Regular Insulin Injection
A regular or short-acting insulin injection treats diabetes. It uses human-made insulin to lower your blood sugar.
You inject regular insulin under your skin with a needle. Take short-acting insulin 30 minutes before eating a meal. It starts working about 30 to 60 minutes after injection.
Regular insulin is most effective between two and three hours after injection. It reduces your blood sugar for three to six hours after it starts working. When used correctly, an insulin injection helps you avoid serious symptoms of hyperglycemia .
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Fast Acting Insulin Names
There are several types of fast-acting insulins. The very rapid-acting insulins have an onset of less than five minutes. The rapid-acting insulins have an onset of five to twenty minutes, and the regular or short-acting insulin has an onset of 30 to 60 minutes. The table below lists the insulin names, brands, as well as their onset, peak, and duration. Click on the insulin name to see the onset, peak and duration.
Characteristics Of Insulin Action
There are three characteristics that define how insulin medication function:
Insulin is prescribed by matching the characteristics of a particular insulin with the individual needs of the patient. Some people are on only one kind of insulin, while others take a combination of insulin medication to customize good glucose control.
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How Are Doses Scheduled
Follow your doctor’s guidelines on when to take your insulin. The time span between your shot and meals may vary depending on the type you use.
In general, though, you should coordinate your injection with a meal. You want to time your shot so that the glucose from your food gets into your system at about the same time that the insulin starts to work. This will help your body use the glucose and avoid low blood sugar reactions. From the chart on page 1, the “onset” column shows when the insulin will begin to work in your body. You want that to happen at the same time you’re absorbing food. Good timing will help you avoid low blood sugar levels.
- Rapid acting insulins: About 15 minutes before mealtime
- Short-acting insulins: 30 to 60 minutes before a meal
- Intermediate-acting insulins: Up to 1 hour prior to a meal
- Pre-mixed insulins: Depending on the product, between 10 minutes or 30 to 45 minutes before mealtime
When Do I Take Short Acting Insulin
Home – Treatment – When Do I Take Short Acting Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by your pancreas and helps to regulate blood sugar levels in your body.
There are three main types of insulin: short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting although there are other types too.
Short-acting insulin starts working within 30 minutes after injection, and its effects usually last for about three to six hours.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of short-acting insulin, who can take it, and any potential side effects.
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How Can I Tell If My Insulin Is Spoilt
Some insulins are cloudy in appearance, while others are clear. You’re the doctor of yourself, and there is no one better to know when your insulin is spoiled. If you see that the color of your insulin is changed, or it has some particles or chunks like dust, it could mean your insulin is spoilt, and you shouldn’t use it. You can also tell your insulin is damaged when your blood sugars keep rising, even when taking the prescribed dosage.
Many insulin manufacturers now attach expiration dates on their products only after conducting extensive tests to ensure the insulin is potent for at least that long. So you can trust any unexpired product as long as you meet the storage recommendations.
How Do I Take It
Many people get insulin into their blood using a needle and syringe, a cartridge system, or pre-filled pen systems.
The place on the body where you give yourself the shot may matter. You’ll absorb insulin the most evenly when you inject it into your belly. The next best places to inject it are your arms, thighs, and buttocks. Make it a habit to inject insulin at the same general area of your body, but change up the exact injection spot. This helps lessen scarring under the skin.
Inhaled insulin, insulin pumps, and a quick-acting insulin device are also available.
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When Should I Take Insulin
You and your doctor should discuss when and how you will take your insulin. Each persons treatment is different. Some people who use regular insulin take it 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. Some people who use rapid-acting insulin take it just before they eat.
Types of insulin:
- Rapid-acting insulin starts working in about 15 minutes. It lasts for 3 to 5 hours.
- Short-acting insulin starts working in 30 to 60 minutes and lasts 5 to 8 hours.
- Intermediate-acting insulin starts working in 1 to 3 hours and lasts 12 to 16 hours.
- Long-acting insulin starts working in about 1 hour and lasts 20 to 26 hours.
- Premixed insulin is a combination of 2 types of insulin .
Insulin Types And Actions Chart
This chart covers the different brands of insulin, how long it takes for each to start lowering blood sugar, when the peak of action will occur, and how long it will continue to work. Read the product information provided with your medication and follow the instructions from your healthcare provider and pharmacist for using insulin.
| Brand Name |
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What Are The Different Types Of Insulin
There are many forms of insulin. They are classified by how fast they start to work and how long their effects last. The types of insulin include: Rapid acting Short acting Intermediate acting Long acting Pre-mixed What type of insulin is best suited for me? Your doctor will work with you to prescribe the type of insulin that is best for you. Deciding what type of insulin might be best for you depends on many factors, including: Your bodys individualized response to insulin Your own lifestyle choices for instance, the type of food you eat, if/how much alcohol you drink, or how much exercise you get factors that influence your bodys processing of insulin How willing you are to give yourself multiple injections per day How frequently you are willing to check your blood sugar level Your age Your blood sugar management goals As you can now better understand, the type of insulin your doctor may prescribe for you takes many factors into account and must be individualized for you based on your own bodys metabolism of insulin, your lifestyle, treatment goals, and to some degree, your personal preferences . The following chart lists the types of insulin with details about onset , peak and duration . These three factors may vary, depending on your body’s response. The final column provides some insight into the “coverContinue reading > >