You have diabetes, so your doctor may have prescribed you an injection called Insulin Degludec. You may know it by the brand name Tresiba. This is a relatively new type of insulin that works for a long time, almost all day long. So today, let's talk about some important things you need to know about using this.
What exactly is Insulin Degludec?
Simply put, Insulin Degludec is a medicine used to control diabetes. It is a long-acting insulin. This means that after a single injection, it can maintain the necessary insulin levels in your body for several hours. This reduces the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood.
Remember, this vaccine alone is not enough. Usually, along with this treatment , a proper diet and exercise are also very important.
Things to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before starting this vaccine, it is essential to tell your doctor about your health condition, as this will determine the dosage and instructions you will be given.
| Your situation | Why is it important to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Frequent episodes of low blood sugar | Insulin doses can further increase the risk of hypoglycemia, so care should be taken. |
| Eye diseases or vision impairment | Changes in sugar levels can affect some eye diseases. |
| Kidney disease | When the kidneys are not working properly, the way insulin is removed from the body may change, and the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Liver disease | Since the liver is also involved in insulin function, the doctor should be aware of this. |
| Allergies to insulin or other medications or foods | This is essential to prevent serious allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | Insulin needs change during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it's important to talk to your doctor about this. |
How exactly is this vaccine used?
This injection is given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your doctor or diabetes clinic nurse will show you exactly how to give it.
- Use the exact dosage. Never take more than your doctor tells you to.
- Look at the appearance of the insulin. This medicine should be clear and colorless, like water. Do not use it if it is cloudy, thick, colored, or has lumps in it.
- Do not mix with other insulins. It is strictly forbidden to mix this type of Insulin Degludec with other types of insulin in the same syringe.
- If it's an insulin pen: Don't forget to remove the outer needle cover from the needle before using it.
- Used needles: These should be disposed of very carefully. Put used needles and syringes in a sharps container. Never throw them in the trash. If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.
What to do if the medication dose is increased?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
- For adults: If you miss a dose, get the vaccine as soon as you remember. But wait at least 8 hours before getting your next dose. Never take two doses at once.
- For children and young adults: Your doctor will give you a plan for what to do if you miss an appointment. Follow that plan exactly.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, not just prescription medications, but also over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as some of these can affect the way insulin works.
Below are some such things:
- Alcohol: Alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to drop or rise unexpectedly.
- Other diabetes medications: The risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is increased when taken together with these medications.
- Some high blood pressure medications (Beta-blockers): These can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (such as shakiness, increased heart rate), so you may experience low blood sugar without realizing it.
- Painkillers (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Steroids: Medications like Prednisone can increase blood sugar levels.
- Some medicines for asthma, cough, and cold.
- Smoking.
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
Things to keep in mind when taking this medicine
- Regular check-ups: Don't miss your doctor's clinic appointments. It's important to monitor your progress.
- HbA1C test: This is a simple blood test that shows how well your diabetes has been controlled over the past 2-3 months.
- Measuring blood sugar levels: Learn how to measure your blood sugar levels at home. Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and what to do about them.
- Keep something sweet nearby: Always keep something to eat quickly (e.g., sugar cubes, toffee, glucose tablets) nearby if you feel symptoms of low blood sugar.
- Don't skip meals: Eat at the right time.
- An identification card: Wearing a card or bracelet that states that you are diabetic and the type and dose of insulin you take is very important in an emergency.
Very important: Never share your insulin pen or cartridge with anyone else . Even if you change the needle, there is a high risk of transmitting dangerous viral diseases such as Hepatitis or HIV.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | Trembling, sweating, feeling scared, feeling cold, dizziness, rapid heartbeat. |
| Low potassium levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, unusual weakness, irregular heartbeat. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist | |
| Lipodystrophy | Thickening of the tissue under the skin or scarring at the injection site. (To prevent this, change the injection site frequently.) |
| Changes at the injection site | Pain, redness, or slight swelling. |
| Weight gain | Some people may gain a little weight after starting insulin. |
How to store medicine?
Insulin is a medicine that must be stored properly, otherwise it may lose its effectiveness.
Unopened Vials and Pens
- Best method: Store on an inside shelf of the fridge, not in the door, at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius.
- Alternative: You can also store at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius).
- Never put it in the freezer. Do not use frozen insulin.
- Discard after the expiration date.
In-use Vials and Pens
- You can store a vial or pen that you have started using in the refrigerator or at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius).
- Most importantly: It should be thrown away within 56 days (8 weeks) of first use. It doesn't matter if there is any insulin left inside, just throw it away.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Take-Home Message
- Insulin Degludec is a long-acting insulin. Do not mix it with other types of insulin in the same syringe.
- Always check that the insulin solution is clear and colorless before use.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and always keep something sweet nearby.
- Never share your insulin pen or needles with others.
- Store insulin correctly. Throw it away after 56 days of use.
- If you have any concerns or questions about this medication, talk to your doctor.
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