Diabetes Treatment Using Insulin

Diabetes Treatment Using Insulin

Diabetes Treatment Using Insulin

Insulin is used to treat diabetes. but what is Insulin? Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the pancreas. Many people that suffer with diabetes are prescribed insulin.

This happens because their bodies do not produce enough insulin. This is typically what occurs in the case of  Type 1 diabetes.

There are many types of insulin sold in the US. In fact there are more than 20 types of insulin sold. The various types of insulin vary in how they are made and how they work. Your physician can advise you  which type is right for you.

Insulin plays a very important role in our bodies:

• It regulates sugar in the bloodstream. The primary function of insulin is to maintain the level of sugar in the bloodstream within a normal range. After we eat, the carbohydrates in our foods break down into sugar and enter the bloodstream in the form of glucose. Normally the pancreas responds by producing insulin, which allows sugar to enter the tissues.

• It stores excess glucose for energy. After we eat the excess glucose is stored in the liver in the form of glycogen.  When our insulin levels are low between meals  the liver releases glycogen into the bloodstream in the form of sugar. This will maintain our blood sugar levels.

Insulin is administered by injection via the subcutaneous route. Regular insulin acts within 30 minutes, and the effects last 6 to 8 hours. The maximal effect occurs 1 to 3 hours following the injection.

In the case of patients suffering from Type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy replaces the insulin their body is unable to produce. This type of therapy is sometimes needed for type 2 diabetes when other forms of treatment have not been able to maintain the blood glucose levels within the desired range.

In many instances doctors believe that Insulin therapy can help prevent diabetes complications by keeping the blood sugar within a set range.

You should consult with your doctor as to which type of Inulin is appropriate for you. As is always the case, you should always consult with your doctor before beginning any medical program or taking any prescription drugs.

If you would like to find out more about diabetes treatment using Insulin visit our previous post.