Are you using insulin for your diabetes? Here are some things to ask your doctor (All About Insulin)

Has your doctor told you to use insulin to control your diabetes? It's normal for questions to come to your mind when that happens. 'How do I inject this?', 'How many times a day and at what time should I inject it?', 'Will this cause any side effects?', 'Do I need to change my diet?' You're probably wondering things like that. It's normal to feel a little scared at times like this. But don't worry, once you're clear about all this, you can handle it as normal. Let's talk about all this simply and in a way that you can understand.

What type of insulin have I been prescribed?

When it comes to insulin, there are several types. Think of it like cars, with different types for different tasks. Your doctor will determine the type of insulin that is best for you based on your diabetes status (Type 1 or Type 2) and blood sugar levels. There are four main types of insulin.

How should insulin be used?

There are two main ways to get insulin into the body: by injection and by inhalation.

Injection methods

• Syringe: This is the least expensive method.
• Insulin Pen: This is very easy to use. You can adjust the dose precisely.
• Insulin Pump: This continuously and gradually releases insulin into the body.
• Jet Injector: This is a needleless method.

Your doctor will tell you exactly how many injections you need to take per day and how much you need to take at a time. A person with Type 1 diabetes may need 3-4 injections per day. A person with Type 2 diabetes may need to start with one injection per day and then increase the number of injections as needed.

Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of each method. Sometimes, your decision may depend on what method is covered by your insurance.

What time of day should you take insulin?

There is no single answer to this. It varies from person to person. There are several factors that influence it.

• The type of insulin you use
• The types and amounts of food you eat
• Your exercise level
• Other illnesses you have
• Method of taking insulin (such as injection, pump)

Most of the time, doctors will tell you to take your insulin about 30 minutes before a meal . This is because when we eat, the sugar from the food we eat enters the bloodstream, and the body needs to have insulin ready to control it. Learn exactly what time of day you should take your injection, and what to do if you forget .

Should insulin be injected into a specific area of ​​the body?

Many people get their piercings on the lower belly because it's the easiest place to get them. But remember to get them at least two inches away from the piercing . You can also get them on your arms, thighs, and buttocks.

Be sure to ask your doctor or diabetes educator about the correct way to inject insulin. It is also important to rotate the injection site rather than injecting in the same place . Failure to do so can cause hard, fatty lumps to form under the skin. Also learn how to keep your skin and needle clean to prevent infection.

Do I need to be careful about food, drink and other medications?

Yes, definitely.

• Other medications: Some medications can interact with insulin and cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low (hypoglycemia). So when you go to see your doctor, tell them exactly what medications you are taking, even those you bought without a prescription from the pharmacy.
• Food and drink: For insulin to work properly, your diet needs to match it. Ask your doctor for advice on how much to eat at a time, what types of food are good, whether snacks are needed, and what the limits are if you drink alcohol.

What should my blood sugar level be?

Your doctor will tell you how often you should test your blood sugar levels. Here are some general goals for someone with diabetes.

Ask what to do if your sugar levels are outside this range and how often you should check your A1C levels .

What are the possible side effects of insulin?

The two most common side effects are low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and weight gain . These are nothing to worry about. Your doctor will explain what to do if these occur. Also, ask about other possible side effects and what they are.

Learn about insulin storage and syringes.

• Storage: Most people say to keep it in the refrigerator. But cold insulin is a bit difficult to inject. Therefore, it should be allowed to come to room temperature before injecting. Also, ask how long insulin can be stored and how to tell if it has gone bad.
• Reusing Syringes: While reusing syringes can save money, it does carry a risk of infection . So be sure to ask your doctor if it's safe for you to do so, and if so, how to keep the syringe clean. If you're throwing away a used syringe, ask how to dispose of it safely .