Why Are Some Patients With Diabetes Treated by Giving an Injection of Insulin?
Insulin Injections: Types and Benefits for Diabetes Patients
Patients with diabetes need insulin injections to manage their sugar levels. It assists in regulating blood sugar levels and averts complications related to diabetes. The injection functions similarly to the hormone insulin that the body typically produces.
The Importance of Insulin Injection for Patients with Diabetes
The existence and production of insulin naturally in your body helps to determine whether you have diabetes or not. If your body can generate sufficient insulin, you do not have diabetes.
For diabetes patients, an insulin injection moves glucose from your blood into your body's cells. Glucose, the main source of energy, comes from the foods and drinks you have and from your body’s stored glucose (glycogen).
All your cells need energy. Insulin serves as a key that brings these energy to cells. When insulin is injected, glucose leaves your blood and enters your cells, where your body uses it for energy.
If there is a lack of adequate insulin, glucose will be not be able to enter your cells and instead builds up in your blood. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas ceases to produce insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not generate adequate insulin, and in some individuals with diabetes, insulin may not function effectively.
This causes high blood sugar and can lead to diabetes. A complete lack of insulin for a long time can cause a serious problem called Diabetes-related Ketoacidosis (DKA).
How Can Insulin Injections Help Diabetes Patients?
If you have Type 1 diabetes, insulin injection is essential for maintaining your health. It compensates for the insulin your body does not produce.
For those with type 2 diabetes, insulin injection may form part of your treatment plan. It is required when lifestyle modifications and other diabetes treatments fail to adequately control your blood sugar levels.
Insulin treatment also helps to treat a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, known as Gestational diabetes. In these cases, insulin is needed if other treatment plans fail to provide sufficient help.
Types of Insulin Injections
There are several types of insulin available. Most are injected using a needle, pen, or pump. There is also insulin that you can inhale.
If you have diabetes, your doctor will help you choose the right type of insulin and adjust the dose as needed.
Take a look at the types of insulin injections depending on how quickly they work and how long they last:
●Rapid-acting Insulin: This type starts working in 5 to 20 minutes and lasts for 3 to 5 hours. It is most effective about one to two hours after injection. Patients must take it before meals.
●Regular Insulin (Short-acting Insulin): It begins to work in about 30 to 45 minutes and lasts for 5 to 8 hours. Regular insulin peaks 2 to 4 hours after injection.
●Intermediate-acting Insulin: This insulin starts working in about 2 hours and is most effective from four to 12 hours after injection. It usually lasts 14 to 24 hours.
●Long-lasting Insulin: This type takes about an hour to start working. It peaks between 3 and 14 hours after injection and can last up to a day.
●Ultra Long-acting Insulin: This insulin reaches your bloodstream in about six hours. It works consistently for several hours without a peak and can last up to 2 days.
Insulin plays a vital role in diabetes treatment plans. Various types of insulin are effective in managing diabetes. Each type differs in how quickly and how long it controls blood sugar levels. According to the types of diabetes blood sugar levels, some patients need insulin injections for proper treatment.
Importance of Health Insurance for Diabetic Patients
Individuals with diabetes are often more vulnerable to the risk of other health issues or comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, vision impairment, kidney problems, etc. Thus, it is always wise to safeguard yourself with an upstanding health insurance plan, like the “Diabetes Safe Insurance Policy” by Star Health Insurance. This plan is specially designed for individuals diagnosed with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes offering comprehensive coverage starting from hospitalisation costs, ICU charges, to outpatient expenses.
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This FAQ page contains information for general purpose only and has no medical or legal advice. For any personalized advice, do refer company's policy documents or consult a licensed health insurance agent. T & C apply.