Plain and simple, individuals with Type1 diabetese must receive insulin in order to live. The pancreas in a Type1 individual either produces insignificant amounts of insulin or no insulin, at all. Because of this, insulin must be administered as an injection.
One’s diabetese care team will oversee insulin doseage levels as they change, over time. Variables such as weight, diet, activity level, stress, and health factors can affect the amount of insulin required to control blood sugar.
Types Of Insulin:
There are various types of insulin; and the classification of insulin types is dependent on the speed at which each one works, as well as respective duration spans. Different insulin types include:
** Rapid-acting~
** Short-acting~
** Intermediate-acting~
** Long-acting~
More than one type of insulin can be used, simultaneously, to help enusre 24/7 normalized blood-sugar maintenance.
‘Intensive’ Insulin Treatment:
There are two general types of insulin treatment plans: ‘intensive’ and ‘standard’. This brief overview will cover only ‘intensive’ since this is the treatment plan that is usually recommended for those with Type1 diabetese.
Information you need to know about ‘intensive’ treatment:
1. Two or three insulin treatments per day are required, either with insulin shots or an insulin pump.
2. Blood sugar will need to be checked four or more times, each day.
3. An increased risk, exists, of low blood-sugar episodes; and weight gain is a common side-effect.
4. ‘Intensive’ treatment is not inexpensive, and is about triple the cost of ‘standard’ insulin treatment.
Injecting Insulin:
Self- Injections: More often than not, insulin is administered as a shot; and this can be accomplished through a needle and syringe or an insulin pen. The angle and depth of the needle must follow very specified guidelines or one’s body will not be able to properly absorb and utilize the insulin. One should be proactive and be sure at least one other person, besides the patient, becomes familiar with drawing up insulin and administering the shots. Information on correct procedures should be discussed, thoroughly, with one’s doctor or nurse.
Insulin Pump: The pump is a small, externally-worn device that stores insulin in a cartride. Attached to the pump is long, thin tubing with an attached needle that is left in place, under the skin. After 48-72 hours, the tubing and needle must be changed.
The pump is programmed to provide small doses of insulin throughout the day and night. Using an insulin pump eliminates the need for multiple injections; and there is less variation in the amount of insulin absorbed when compared to insulin variances that can occur using a needle and syringe.
The ‘intensive’ treatment plan requires full committment from the patient as well as a thorough understanding of the details involved with this type of treatment option. Due to the demanding nature of this particular regime, it is advised that one seek encouragement and support from one’s diabetese care team.
