The Lowdown on Insulin

When you need to take insulin for diabetes it is important to understand that there are different types and that each one works in a different way. Your doctor will be able to determine what the best type is for you however, there is always the possibility that you will need to make changes along the way. Although there are different strengths that you can take, U-100 is the one that is most commonly used. You will find that one may work faster than another, one will reach its peak at a specific time and some will last longer than others as well.

One sort of insulin that you may be prescribed is rapid-acting. It begins to work around five minutes after you inject it and within one hour, it hits its peak. Rapid-acting insulin will continue to work for approximately two to four hours after injection. Regular insulin, also known as short-acting, hits your system approximately thirty minutes after taking it. The effects will last anywhere from three to six hours and peak between two to three hours after taking it. Lastly, long-acting insulin will work for twenty to twenty-four hours but does not hit the bloodstream until six to ten hours after injection.

There are three different characteristics of insulin. The first is the onset. This is the length of time that it takes for the insulin to get to your bloodstream and start to lower your blood glucose level. Next is the peak time which is the period of time that the insulin has its strongest effect and lastly there is duration which is how long the insulin is going to work at lowering the glucose in your bloodstream. These help to define the variety of insulin that you are going to be prescribed in order to manage your diabetes. It is possible that you may need to take more than one form of insulin and you can get them premixed in order to avoid an incorrect dosage amount.

Insulin comes in a liquid form and the strength can vary. It is important to be sure that you are measuring out the correct amount into your syringe. You should also speak with your doctor about the additives that are in insulin. They are there in order to keep forms of bacteria from growing in the insulin and they also keep the acids and bases balanced. There may also be extra additives for insulin that has a longer working period. It has been seen that these can cause an allergic reaction so speaking with your doctor can help to put your mind at ease.

No matter what form of insulin your doctor has prescribed for you, keep in mind that it is always possible you may need to change the strength, the type that you are taking or perhaps even combine two types. As with anything, your body changes as you get older which means the needs of your body are going to change as well. Keeping up with your body's requirements will help you to maintain your diabetes and stay healthy.

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