Insulin Types
by
Marjorie Montemayor-Quellenberg, MA
People with type 1 diabetes are unable to make insulin. While those with type 2 diabetes can make insulin, the body is resistant to it and unable to use it appropriately. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and the cells become starved, which can lead to serious health problems. Insulin ShotsIf you have diabetes, you may need to take insulin shots to make up for your body’s inability to make or use naturally occurring insulin. You may need anywhere from 1-4 shots a day. The medication may also be given using a special injector pen or pump. How much insulin you need depends on several factors, such as your:
Insulin TypesHere are different types of insulin that your doctor may prescribe and an approximate onset and duration of action:
There is also premixed insulin, which is a combination of two types. The mix usually consists of rapid- or short-acting insulin combined with intermediate-acting insulin. You and your doctor will create a diabetes management plan that will outline steps for controlling your diabetes, which involves diet, physical activity, and medications like insulin. You may need to try different insulin doses or types until you find the regimen that works best for you. RESOURCES:American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://www.niddk.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca References:Blair E. Insulin A to Z: a guide on different types of insulin. Joslin Diabetes Center website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed June 29, 2017. Insulin management. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116678/Insulin-management. Updated April 21, 2017. Accessed June 29, 2017.
Insulin therapy. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physcians website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated May 2014. Accessed June 29, 2017. Types of insulin. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed June 29, 2017. Types of insulin and how they work. Kaiser Permanente website. Available at: https://www.ghc.org/healthAndWellness/index.jhtml?item=%2fcommon%2fhealthAndWellness%2fconditions%2fdiabetes%2finsulinTypes.html. Updated June 12, 2015. Accessed June 29, 2017.
Last reviewed June 2017 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board - Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
Last Updated: 7/14/2015 |
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