Patients with diagnosed type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetic patients with the following conditions require short-term or long-term use of insulin.
Short-term indications:
- Severe acute metabolic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma, etc.
- Acute or chronic emergency situations: severe infections, acute cardiovascular events, major surgeries, etc.
- “Glycemic toxicity” state, especially for patients with fasting blood glucose above 15mmol/L.
Long-term adaptation statement:
- For patients with type 2 diabetes who cannot achieve satisfactory blood glucose control (fasting blood glucose ＞7.8mmol/L or hemoglobin A1c ＞7%) despite dietary control, exercise therapy, and adequate oral medication. For those with normal or thin weight, a more proactive approach to using insulin is required.
- Unable to persist with oral drug therapy due to liver and kidney dysfunction and drug side effects.
- Severe chronic complications of diabetes exist.
- Diabetes complicated by pregnancy or gestational diabetes.
- Diabetes caused by other factors, such as pancreatic diabetes.
The first company to produce insulin on a commercial scale was Eli Lilly and Company. In 1923, Eli Lilly received the rights to mass-produce insulin from the University of Toronto, where Canadian scientists Frederick Banting and Charles Best had first isolated the hormone in 1921. Eli Lilly began producing and distributing insulin, which revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and saved countless lives.
Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. It is primarily used to treat diabetes, a condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Here is a general guide on how to use insulin:
- Determine the Type and Dosage: Your healthcare provider will determine the type of insulin you need and the appropriate dosage based on your blood sugar levels, lifestyle, and other factors. There are several types of insulin, including rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting, each with different onset and duration of action.
- Insulin Delivery Methods: Insulin can be administered through various methods:
- Injection: This is the most common method. Insulin is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) using a syringe, an insulin pen, or an insulin pump. The injection sites typically include the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. It’s important to rotate injection sites to avoid lipodystrophy (skin thickening or thinning) and to ensure consistent insulin absorption.
- Insulin Pump: This is a small device that delivers insulin continuously through a catheter placed under the skin. It can be programmed to deliver a basal rate of insulin throughout the day and additional bolus insulin before meals.
- Inhalation: Some forms of insulin can be inhaled, although this method is less common and may not be suitable for everyone.
- Timing of Insulin Administration: The timing of insulin injections depends on the type of insulin you are using:
- Rapid-acting insulin: This is usually taken just before or immediately after a meal.
- Short-acting insulin: This is typically taken 30 minutes before a meal
- Intermediate-acting insulin: This is usually taken once or twice a day, often in combination with a rapid- or short-acting insulin.
- Long-acting insulin: This is taken once or twice a day to provide a steady baseline level of insulin throughout the day.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential to determine if your insulin dosage needs to be adjusted. Your healthcare provider will guide you on how often to check your blood sugar levels and how to adjust your insulin based on the results.
- Educational Resources: It’s important to receive proper education on insulin therapy from a healthcare provider or diabetes educator. This includes learning how to store insulin properly, how to administer injections, and how to recognize and treat hypo- and hyperglycemia (low and high blood sugar levels).
- Regular Follow-Up: Regular visits with your healthcare provider are necessary to monitor your diabetes management and make any necessary adjustments to your insulin regimen.
Remember, everyone’s diabetes management plan is unique, and it’s crucial to follow the guidance of your healthcare team to ensure safe and effective insulin therapy.
