What is insulin therapy?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that enables cells to utilize glucose. When your body fails to produce or utilize insulin appropriately, you may provide synthetic insulin to regulate your blood glucose levels. The majority of individuals administer insulin via subcutaneous injection, however an inhalable formulation also exists. Individuals with type 1 diabetes require insulin due to the pancreas’s inability to produce the hormone. Individuals with type 2 diabetes may require insulin; however, numerous patients may manage their blood glucose levels without it.
What Are the Various Types of Insulin?
Various types of insulin manage diabetes. They are categorized based on the rapidity of their onset and the duration of their effects.
The categories of insulin comprise:
- Rapid-acting insulin commences action within approximately 15 minutes and has a duration of effect ranging from 1 to 5 hours, contingent upon the specific kind utilized. Rapid-acting insulin is administered prior to a meal and is typically combined with a longer-acting insulin formulation.
- Short-acting: Known as normal insulin, this type takes around 30 minutes to achieve full efficacy and has a duration of 3 to 8 hours. Administer short-acting insulin 30 to 60 minutes prior to a meal.
- Intermediate-acting insulin is frequently used in conjunction with rapid- or short-acting insulin, fulfilling insulin requirements for around twelve hours. Certain individuals utilize it overnight. Intermediate-acting insulin commences action within one to two hours and attains peak efficacy in two to four hours.
- Long-acting: This formulation offers comprehensive insulin coverage for an entire day. A shorter-acting insulin type will likely be utilized in conjunction with it.
- Premixed insulin is available in many formulations, such as Humulin, Novolog, and others. These formulations amalgamate short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins within a single vial or insulin pen, which some individuals perceive as more convenient for administration.
What is the purpose of glargine insulin?
Glargine insulin is a long-acting insulin that endures for approximately 24 hours.
Methods for Administering Various Types of Insulin
Multiple modalities exist for administering insulin. Every form of insulin administration possesses a distinct technique. Your physician can assist you in selecting the most suitable option for your needs.
Methods of administering insulin
The primary methods for administering insulin consist of:
- Syringes: The majority of individuals utilizing insulin do so via a syringe, a tubular device affixed to a needle, employed for the injection of medication into the body. To prepare the syringe, insert the needle into a vial of insulin and extract the appropriate dosage. Subsequently, you or your caregiver provide the injection by inserting the needle into your body and delivering the insulin.
- An insulin pen, akin to a syringe, employs a needle to administer medication into the body. However, insulin pens are prefilled, eliminating the need to refill them from a vial. Certain insulin pens are disposable, whilst others are designed for reuse by accommodating a new insulin cartridge. While pens offer greater convenience than syringes, they are costlier to utilize.
- An insulin pump is a little device that you wear on your body. It contains a reservoir containing insulin and a tube with a needle at the terminus, which is inserted into the body. The computer can be programmed to administer a continuous, low dosage of insulin throughout the day or to deliver a “bolus” of insulin postprandially to regulate blood glucose levels.
- Inhalers: Individuals utilizing rapid-acting insulin may opt for inhalation rather than injection. To utilize Afrezza, available in the United States since 2015, one positions an oral inhaler to the mouth and inhales the medication into the lungs.
Optimal insulin injection sites
The anatomical site for self-administration of the injection may be significant. Insulin absorption is most uniform when injected into the abdominal region. The subsequent optimal sites for injection are the arms, thighs, and buttocks. Establish a routine of administering insulin in the same general region of your body, while varying the specific injection site. Certain physicians advise maintaining a distance of at least one finger’s breadth, or slightly greater, between injection sites when utilizing an insulin pump. This aids in reducing subcutaneous scarring. Should you develop firm nodules at the injection site, scarring may have occurred, necessitating the use of an alternative injection location.
What is the least painful site for insulin injection?
A little study indicated that individuals with diabetes perceived insulin injections in the abdomen as less painful compared to those in the upper arm or thigh. Nonetheless, these individuals expressed that they did not see insulin injections as very uncomfortable initially. The abdomen is the optimal site for insulin injection, as it facilitates more uniform absorption of the medication. Ensure the needle is inserted at a minimum distance of several inches from your navel.
Which Type of Insulin Is Most Suitable for My Diabetes?
Your physician will collaborate with you to determine the most suitable insulin for your diabetes management. The decision will be contingent upon numerous factors, including:
- Your response to insulin. The duration for the body to absorb it and the period it remains active differs across individuals.
- Choices regarding lifestyle. The nature of your diet, the quantity of alcohol consumed, and the extent of your physical activity will all influence your body’s insulin utilization.
- Your readiness to provide numerous doses daily
- What is the frequency with which you monitor your blood glucose levels?
- Your age
- Your objectives for regulating your blood glucose levels
Your physician may prescribe multiple types. You may require multiple daily insulin administrations, to distribute your doses throughout the day, or to incorporate additional medications.
Afrezza, a rapid-acting inhaled insulin, is licensed by the FDA for preprandial administration in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The medicine reaches its maximum concentration in the bloodstream within around 15-20 minutes and is eliminated from the body in 2-3 hours. It should be administered in conjunction with long-acting insulin for those with type 1 diabetes.
The chart below enumerates the varieties of injectable insulin, providing specifics on onset (the duration before insulin enters the bloodstream and commences reducing blood sugar), peak (the interval during which it most effectively decreases blood sugar), and duration (the amount of time insulin remains active). These three elements may differ. The final column provides insight into the “coverage” offered by various insulin kinds around mealtime.
Timing for Insulin Administration
Adhere to your physician’s instructions on the timing of insulin administration. The interval between your shot and meals may differ according on the type utilized.
Generally, you should synchronize your injection with a meal. It is essential to synchronize your shot so that the glucose from your food enters your system concurrently with the onset of insulin activity. This will assist your body in utilizing glucose and prevent hypoglycemic responses. The “onset” column in the chart above indicates the time at which insulin will commence its action in your body. You desire that to occur concurrently with the ingestion of food. Optimal timing will assist in preventing hypoglycemia.
- Rapid-acting insulins: Approximately 15 minutes before to meals
- Short-acting insulins: Administer 30 to 60 minutes prior to a meal.
- Intermediate-acting insulins: Administer up to 1 hour before a meal
- Premixed insulins: Administer 10 minutes or 30 to 45 minutes prior to mealtime, contingent upon the specific product.
Variations in Insulin Administration and Scheduling
Long-acting insulins are not associated with mealtimes. You will administer detemir (Levemir) once or twice day, irrespective of meal times. You will provide glargine (Basaglar, Lantus, Toujeo) once daily, consistently at the same time. Deglutec is administered once day, with varied timing options. However, certain individuals must combine a long-acting insulin with a shorter-acting variant or an additional drug that is required to be administered during meals.
Rapid-acting products may be administered immediately after consumption, rather than 15 minutes before to mealtime. Some of these may be taken at bedtime.
For additional details regarding insulin administration timing, consult the “dosing and administration” part of the insulin product package insert or confer with your physician.
Categories of Insulin Adverse Reactions
The primary adverse consequences encompass:
- Hypoglycemia
- Initial weight increase upon commencement of use
- Indurations or cicatrices resulting from excessive injections
- Rash at the injection site or, infrequently, disseminated across the body
Inhaled insulin may cause abrupt bronchoconstriction in individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Preservation of Injectable Insulin
Maintain a supply of two bottles for each variety you utilize. Vials of insulin in use do not require refrigeration. A reliable guideline is that if the temperature is agreeable for you, the insulin is secure. The bottle in use may be stored at room temperature (not exceeding 80°F) for a duration of 30 days. Avoid excessive heat or cold, and shield it from direct sunshine.
Store your additional backup bottles in the refrigerator. Prior to commencing the use of a new bottle, remove it the night before and allow it to acclimate to room temperature. Prevent your insulin from freezing.
Always inspect your insulin within the vial prior to drawing it into the syringe. Rapid-acting, short-acting, and certain long-acting varieties should be unequivocal. Alternative forms may appear opaque; nonetheless, they should not contain clumping.
Exercise caution when transporting a bottle to avoid shaking it. This creates air bubbles, which might alter the quantity of insulin received during withdrawal for an injection.
Refer to the package insert for storage guidelines for insulin pens.
Storage of Inhaled Insulin
Examine the instructions on the packaging. Maintain a sealed item in the refrigerator till you are prepared to utilize it. If you fail to do so, you are required to utilize it within 10 days.
Opened packets may be refrigerated; however, allow a cartridge to acclimate to room temperature for 10 minutes before to usage.
Key Insights
Insulin exists in various forms, distinguished by its onset of action, peak efficacy, and duration of activity. Your physician can assist in identifying the appropriate insulin or mix of various insulin types suitable for you. Various methods exist for administering insulin, allowing you to select the approach that you deem most convenient and user-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Insulin Varieties
What is the total number of human insulin variants?
Five primary categories of insulin are utilized for the management of diabetes. All forms of insulin facilitate cellular utilization of glucose for energy. Insulin types differ based on their onset of action and duration of effect in the body. The five primary classifications of insulin are:
- Rapid-acting insulin is typically administered immediately prior to a meal and remains effective for several hours.
- Short-acting insulin is typically administered prior to a meal, however its onset of action is somewhat delayed.
- Intermediate-acting insulin has a duration of action of approximately twelve hours.
- Long-acting insulin offers approximately 24 hours of coverage.
- Premixed insulin comprises a blend of intermediate-acting and short-acting insulin.
What is the duration of Novolog’s efficacy?
Novolog, the brand name for insulin aspart, has a duration of action of 3 to 5 hours. Novolog is a fast-acting insulin. It commences operation within 10 minutes and attains maximum efficacy in 40 to 50 minutes.
Which insulin is optimal?
No type of insulin is superior. Every category of insulin possesses distinct characteristics that dictate the onset of action, peak efficacy, and duration of effect. Employing a combination of various insulin types can assist in regulating blood glucose levels.
Is insulin necessary for type 2 diabetes management?
Individuals with type 2 diabetes who are unable to regulate their blood glucose levels by lifestyle modifications and alternative diabetic therapies may require insulin administration. Certain individuals with type 2 diabetes utilize insulin and additional diabetes therapies.
Is Lantus classified as a long-acting insulin?
Lantus is an extended-release insulin. Their effects endure for up to one day. Additional varieties of long-acting insulins include Basaglar and Toujeo.