Let's learn everything about the types of insulin used for diabetes in a simple way.

Do you have diabetes? Or has your family member or friend been prescribed insulin for diabetes by a doctor? So you probably have a lot of questions about what insulin is, what types of insulin are there, and how to use it. Many people are a little afraid of the word insulin. But there is really nothing to be afraid of. Today, we will talk about all of that, to find answers to all the questions you have in your mind, in a very simple way.

First of all, what is insulin?

Simply put, insulin is a hormone produced by our own body. It is made by an organ called our pancreas. So, the main function of this insulin is to help the sugar (Glucose) that is added to the blood from the food we eat, enter the cells of the body and help those cells get the energy they need. Insulin works like a key that opens the door of a house.

But in a person with diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus), the body may not produce enough insulin, or the insulin that is produced may not work properly. That's when we have to take insulin externally, as a medicine. This is done to control blood sugar levels.

• People with Type 1 Diabetes must take insulin because their body's insulin production has almost completely stopped.
• People with Type 2 Diabetes may sometimes need insulin, but most people can control their blood sugar with other types of pills and lifestyle changes.

Are there different types of insulin?

Yes, there are several types of insulin used to treat diabetes. These are classified according to how quickly they start working in the body and how long they last. Your doctor will decide which type is right for you.

Let us understand these types clearly from the table below.

What are the ways in which insulin is delivered to the body?

There are several main ways to take insulin. Your doctor can help you choose the method that is most convenient and suitable for you.

• Syringes: This is the traditional method used by most people. This involves drawing the correct dose of insulin from a vial into a syringe and injecting it under the skin.
• Pens: These are like pens. They have an insulin cartridge in them. You don't have to draw medicine from a vial. You can easily inject the exact dose. They are a little more expensive than syringes, but they are very easy to use.
• Pumps: These are small, wearable devices that deliver small amounts of insulin to the body at regular intervals. They can also be used to deliver a bolus of insulin after meals.
• Inhalers: This is not very common in Sri Lanka. Rapid-acting insulin is a type of insulin that can be inhaled. Afrezza is one such type.

What are the best places to inject insulin?

The speed at which insulin is absorbed into the body can vary depending on where you inject it. The best and most recommended place is the abdomen (belly area) because insulin is absorbed into the body in the same way there. However, it should be injected at least two inches away from the nipple.

The next best places are the upper arms (upper arms), thighs, and buttocks .

How do I choose the type of insulin that is best for me?

This is not something you can decide on your own. Your doctor will carefully examine your condition and prescribe the type of insulin or combination of types that is best for you. He or she will consider many factors when making that decision, including:

• How your body responds to insulin.
• Your lifestyle (what you eat and drink, how much exercise you do).
• How many times a day can you inject?
• How often do you check your blood sugar levels?
• your age.
• Your goals for sugar control.

Are there any side effects of insulin?

Like any medication, insulin can have some side effects, but these can often be managed.

• Too low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia):This is the most important and important thing to be careful of. If you experience symptoms such as sweating, trembling, excessive hunger, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat, you should immediately take something sweet (sugar, glucose, a sweet drink).
• Weight gain: You may gain some weight when you first start using insulin.
• Lumps or scars at the injection sites: This can happen if you keep injecting in the same spot.
• A rash or itching at the injection site.

How to store insulin correctly?

To maintain the effectiveness of insulin, it is very important to store it correctly.

• Always store unused vials or pens in the fridge. But never in the freezer. Do not let insulin freeze.
• You can store your current vial or pen at room temperature (about 28-30 days), but keep it out of direct sunlight and excessive heat.
• Look at the insulin vial before using it. Rapid-acting and short-acting types should be a clear liquid. Intermediate-acting types should be milky and cloudy, but should not have any clumps.
• If your insulin has changed appearance or is expired, do not use it.