If you are a diabetic, you are probably familiar with the name 'Insulin'. Your doctor may have prescribed you an insulin shot to take about 30 minutes before a meal. That is what we call 'Regular Insulin' or 'Short-Acting Insulin'. This is a very important medicine for controlling diabetes. So, today we will talk about it all in a simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is Regular Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced in our bodies. It is essential for converting the sugar (glucose) in the food we eat into energy. In people with diabetes, the body either produces less insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces properly.
So, Regular Insulin is a type of insulin that is artificial, that is, made in a laboratory. When this is given to the body as an injection, it fulfills the reduced need for insulin in our body.
This is how it works:
- Lowers your blood sugar levels.
- Sugar (glucose) in the blood is sent into the body's cells to be used as energy, just like a key opens a door.
- It stops the liver from producing sugar unnecessarily.
It usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes of being injected. It reaches its peak effect after 2-3 hours, and helps control blood sugar for 3 to 6 hours.
Who needs this insulin injection?
This injection is prescribed for both children and adults with type 1 diabetes (`Type 1 Diabetes`) and type 2 diabetes (`Type 2 Diabetes`). Your doctor will decide which type of insulin is best for you, based on your condition, lifestyle, and how your blood sugar levels change throughout the day.
Sometimes, your doctor may recommend using a long-acting insulin that controls blood sugar levels 24 hours a day, along with regular insulin.
What is the correct way to inject insulin?
Insulin injections are given under the skin. This is usually done using a needle and syringe or a special pen (insulin pen). Your doctor or diabetes clinic nurse will show you exactly how to do this.
Suitable places to get vaccinated:
- Stomach (area around the navel)
- Buttock area
- Upper arm
- Upper, outer side of the thigh
Very important: Do not inject in the same place every day. Change the place where you inject each day. If you keep injecting in the same place, you may develop lumps and bumps (lipohypertrophy) in those areas. When this happens, the insulin will not be absorbed properly by the body.
What are the risks and side effects of this?
Like any medication, insulin can have some risks and side effects, and it's important to be aware of them.
| Risk/side effect | Symptoms and what to know |
|---|---|
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Dizziness, dry mouth and skin, nausea, frequent urination. These are symptoms of losing control of diabetes. |
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | Dizziness, confusion, sweating, blurred vision, and extreme hunger. To avoid this, be sure to eat within 30 minutes of injecting insulin. |
| Low potassium in the blood (Hypokalemia) | Irregular heartbeat, feeling lethargic, muscle twitching. |
| Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) | This is a very rare occurrence. If you experience difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the tongue/throat/face, it is an emergency. |
| Other side effects | Redness, swelling, itching, weight gain, muscle pain at the injection site. |
| If the above severe symptoms (low/high blood sugar, allergies) occur, seek medical advice immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. | |
What happens if you take too much insulin (overdose)?
Yes, taking too much insulin is very dangerous. If this happens, your blood sugar level can drop very low (`Severe Hypoglycemia`). This can lead to life-threatening conditions such as seizures and coma. If you suspect you have taken too much, call 911 immediately and call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when using with other medications
This is very important. Some medications you take can affect the way insulin works. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, pain relievers (NSAIDs), blood pressure medications (beta-blockers), cholesterol medications (statins), birth control pills, and other diabetes medications .
Also, if you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about it, as it can have unexpected effects on your blood sugar levels.
Take-Home Message
- Regular insulin is a fast-acting type of insulin that is taken about 30 minutes before meals.
- Always change the injection site. Do not keep injecting in the same place.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia). If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and other medical conditions you may have (allergies, pregnancy).
- Do not change, stop, or skip meals without your doctor's advice for any reason. It is very important to follow your doctor's advice to manage your diabetes.
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