Diabetes is classified into Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Both are complicated and irreversible. However, type 1 is considerably more serious. The patient’s body can’t produce the hormone insulin, due to which their bodies do not get the required energy from glucose. 

You need to take insulin shots when your pancreas stops producing glucose altogether or produces very little glucose. The diabetes care center in Vashi will explain everything about the uses of insulin, where to inject it, how often it’s needed, and when to use it. In the meantime, let’s learn about the basics of insulin.

Types of Insulin

• Rapid: Your body releases insulin when you eat something. This insulin helps you process carbs in your food. Since people with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, they need to take rapid-insulin shots 15 minutes before the meal so that their bodies release the required insulin for processing carbs.
• Regular and Short-acting: This insulin has a long-lasting effect and is mostly taken an hour before your meal. It has the same function as rapid-acting insulin.
• Intermediate-acting: Your bloodstream has a small amount of insulin always present in it if you are not a diabetic patient. This is called basal secretion. Your body needs insulin to replicate this basal secretion if you have type 1 diabetes. The immediate-acting insulin lasts up to 16 hours, and you need two shots of it daily.
• Long-Acting: This one is the same as intermediate, except the insulin shot can last up to 24 hours. You need only one shot daily to keep your blood sugar levels in control.

How Much Insulin Does Your Body Need?

If you are getting type 1 diabetes treatment in Navi Mumbai, your diabetologist will recommend the ideal dosage based on your age, health, diet, and other factors. It’s important to work with them to establish a perfect insulin dose and adjust it based on how your body reacts to it. 

For instance, suppose you took an insulin shot 15 minutes before lunch. Your glucose level after eating, however, is still high. This means you need to increase the dosage. It may take a few trials and errors before you establish the right insulin levels. It’s important to work closely with your diabetes team to determine an ideal insulin dose.

Where is it Injected?

The area you inject the insulin plays a significant role in determining how fast the insulin reaches your bloodstream. For instance, people with type 1 diabetes taking an insulin shot before every meal must inject it into the abdomen. Make sure you change the injection sites even if you are injecting on the abdomen or arms repeatedly. 

Rotating the injection sites helps your body absorb insulin faster. The back of the arm is another site for insulin injection, but you can’t do it on your own, so ask your medical team for assistance. Some people inject it into the thighs and buttocks. Again, you should discuss the site of injection with your diabetes team.