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What is Insulin?

Insulin allows the glucose (sugar) that resides in your blood to enter your cells. Once it is in your cells, it is used for energy. Insulin keeps the blood sugar within a normal range. If your body does not produce insulin, the amount of sugar in your blood will raise to unsafe levels. Sugar levels for most people are around 100, but can go up to 150 up to two hours after eating.

  1. Types

    • There are different types of insulin for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Different types also work in different ways. Rapid-acting insulin, such as NovoLog, Apidra and Humalog works instantly upon introduction to the body. Short-acting insulin, such as Humulin-R works right now, and is not time-released. Intermediate-acting insulin, such as Humulin-N enters the body, then must be absorbed by the body before it starts to work. Long-acting insulin, such as Levemir and Lantus are taken once a day and work throughout a 24-hour period. It also builds up in your system.

    Features

    • Insulin allows diabetics to control blood sugar. Though a diabetic's diet must still be monitored, it does allow him to eat different types of sugars, such as lactose and glucose in moderation. Some diabetics may also eat sugar in the form of candy, though it is not recommended.

    Time Frame

    • Long-acting insulin enters the system faster if it is injected into a muscle or small blood vessel, but is more consistent when given in the abdomen in the belly button area. If you exercise prior to taking your shot, and the insulin is injected into a muscle that was used during the exercise, the insulin will enter your system faster. Applying heat to the injection spot also helps the insulin enter your system quickly.

    Warning

    • There are some side effects of insulin. Rapid-acting insulins can cause sever hypoglycemia (severe low blood sugar levels) up to 10 to 15 minutes after taking it. It is also attributed to weight gain, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes if they are overweight when staring the insulin program. Long-term insulin can cause the loss of fatty tissue near the injection site, so the injection site should be changed frequently. Rarer side effects include swelling, edema and allergic reactions to insulin.

    Considerations

    • If you are taking insulin, make sure you stay hydrated. Dehydration decreases blood flow to the skin, which impedes the absorption of the injected insulin. Make sure you store the insulin properly, else it could lose its effectiveness. Always check your prescription prior to leaving the pharmacy, especially if you are taking one of the Humulins---it is easy for the pharmacy to make a mistake when filling the prescription.

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