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Insulin controls blood sugar levels. Diabetics don’t have enough insulin or in some cases the body does not know how to use it properly. Over time, excessive blood sugar levels might cause serious health problems.
Insulin controls blood pressure in type 1 and 2 diabetics. The objective of diabetic treatment is to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. If you’re new to insulin, here’s what you should do and what you don’t to keep your diabetes under control.
Contents:
Insulin Do’s
1. Changing The Injection Location For Insulin
When you inject in the same spot every time, there is a risk of developing hard lumps and fat deposits. To avoid this, the injection should be administered at different locations within the site.
2. Take 15 to 30 Minutes Before A Meal
Consider taking insulin 15 to 30 minutes after a meal. This will help control blood sugar effectively. Do not wait too long after a meal to take insulin as it could pull down blood sugar drastically.
3. Each Usage Requires A New Needle
After a while, the syringe and pen needles get dull. Each time you inject insulin, use a new needle because sharper needles induce less discomfort.
4. Use The Recommended Insulin Dosage
It is critical to use the correct dose of insulin. When extracting insulin from the syringe, the black plunger’s tip should be aligned with the number. To achieve the proper dosage while using a pen, rotate the dial.
5. Travel Smartly
Carry additional insulin syringes, needles, pens, and pump batteries with you when you travel.
Insulin Don’ts
1. Avoid Injecting At Specific Locations
Avoid injecting near the belly button, moles, or scars because the tissue there is hard, preventing proper insulin absorption.
2. Store In The Right Temperature
Don’t keep unopened insulin in a warm temperature. Keep it between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius in the refrigerator. However, don’t keep the opened vial in the refrigerator. Keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
3. Avoid Using Expired Medicine
Do not use the insulin that is beyond its expiry date. You should discard a month-old insulin bottle.
4. Don’t Take Any Extra Insulin
Excessive insulin reduces blood sugar levels. Monitor your glucose levels throughout the day if you can’t remember whether you took your insulin dose or if you think you took a lower dose than your doctor recommended. Do not increase your insulin dose without consulting your doctor.
Insulin Precautions
Make sure you consult your diabetologist if you face the following post insulin shot.
- Allergic reaction
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Any infection
- Fast heart rate
- Tingling in your hands, feet, lips and tongue
- Trouble concentrating
- Blurry vision
NOTE: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to insulin. This product includes inactive chemicals that may cause allergies or other issues. Before using this medication, inform your doctor if you have any medical disorders, especially liver disease, renal disorder, or thyroid problems.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- Insulin is used to control type 1 and 2 diabetes.
- Insulin should be taken 15 to 20 minutes before the meal. Every shot should be taken with a new needle.
- The dosage should be taken as recommended by the doctor.
- Insulin injection should be avoided near the belly button, moles, and scars.
- Check the temperature and expiry date of insulin.
- Consult your doctor if you are allergic to insulin.
- Use Phable Care App to consult India’s leading diabetologists, order medicines, book lab tests, integrate Accu-Chek instant and other devices to get real-time remote care from the comfort of your home. Let’s treat diabetes together.
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Friendly Asked Questions
Inject insulin away from the belly button, moles, and scars. It is because tissues are hard at these locations and prevent proper absorption of insulin.
You can eat the following after taking insulin:
-High-protein foods
-Fatty fish
-Healthful fats
-Whole-grain foods
-Non-starchy vegetables
Insulin shots work best when taken 30 minutes before a meal. If you are taking long-acting or intermediate insulin, inject it at the same time on a daily basis.
The risk of hypoglycemia increases if you take it after a meal. Hence, it is advisable to take it not more than 30 minutes before the meal.
When a food plan, weight reduction, exercise, and antidiabetic medicines fail to achieve the desired blood glucose levels (sugar), people with type 2 diabetes may need insulin.