Insulin

What is insulin and why is it prescribed?

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps keep blood sugar levels normal. Insulin helps your body take sugar out of your blood and into your tissue to be used for energy. Insulin injection is used to control blood sugar in people who have type 1 diabetes (the pancreas does not produce insulin) or in people who have type 2 diabetes (the body does not produce or use insulin normally) when the disease cannot be controlled with diet, exercise, and oral medications alone. The injection of insulin is used to take the place of insulin that is normally produced by the body. It works by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. All of the types of insulin that are available work in this way. The types of insulin differ only in how quickly they begin to work and how long they continue to control blood sugar.

Different types of insulin

Insulin comes as a liquid solution. It can be clear or cloudy depending on the type of insulin. Several types of insulin are used to lower blood sugar. Each type of insulin has a different onset, peak response, and duration. The onset is how soon the insulin starts to work in the blood. The peak response is when the insulin has the greatest effect on blood sugar levels (this is important when planning activities). The duration is how long the insulin lasts. Common types are:

  • Rapid-acting or regular insulin: This is used to lower blood sugar after eating a meal.
  • Intermediate or long-acting insulin: This lasts longer and is used to lower blood sugar throughout the day and night.

Examples of brand names of insulin are Humulin R, Humulin N, Humulin 70/30, Humulin 50/50, Novolin R, Novolin N, and Novolin 70/30.

Insulin can come in vials or cartridges that are designed to be placed in insulin dosing pens. If your insulin comes in a vial, you will need to use a syringe to draw up and then inject the medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of syringe you should use, how to draw insulin into a syringe, and how to inject the dose. If your insulin comes in cartridges, you may need to buy an insulin pen separately. The pen will have a dial on the top to select the correct dose you will need to inject and a place to attach a disposable needle. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you about the type of pen you will need and how to use it.

  

How should insulin be used?

Insulin is usually injected several times a day, and more than one type of insulin may be needed. Your doctor will tell you which type or types of insulin to use, how much insulin to use, and how often to inject insulin. Follow these directions carefully. Do not use more or less insulin or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You can inject your insulin in the stomach , upper arm, upper leg, or buttocks. Insulin should be injected into fatty tissue. Do not inject insulin into muscles. Use a different site for each injection, at least 1/2 inch away from the previous injection site but in the same general area (for example, the stomach). Use all available sites in the same general area before switching to a different part of the body.

Safety

Never reuse needles or syringes and never share needles, syringes, or insulin pens. If you are using an insulin pen, always remove the needle right after you inject your dose. Throw away needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.

Continue to use insulin even if you feel well. Do not stop using insulin, switch to a different type of insulin, or change the dose of any type of insulin without talking to your doctor.

Side effects

Insulin causes changes in your blood sugar. You should know the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and what to do if you experience any signs and symptoms. Insulin overdose can occur if you use too much insulin or if you use the right amount but do not eat, eat less than usual, or exercise more than usual. If this occurs you will be showing symptoms of hypoglycemia, loss of consciousness, or seizures.

Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia:

  • Shakiness
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Sweating and clamminess
  • Irritability
  • Confusion
  • Rapid/fast heartbeat
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Hunger and nausea