Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose for energy. It works by lowering blood sugar levels after meals. People with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin and must take insulin injections, while some people with type 2 diabetes may require insulin if pills are not enough. There are several types of insulin that differ in how quickly they work and how long their effects last. Proper insulin storage, injection technique, and timing in relation to meals is important for managing diabetes.
2. Insulin
A hormone produced
by beta cells in the
pancreas that helps
your body use
glucose (blood sugar)
for energy.
Insulin helps to
control blood glucose
levels.
Without enough
insulin, high blood
glucose results:
Energy levels are low
Dehydration
Complications
3. How Insulin
Works.
Insulin is a hormone that comes from a gland situated
behind and below the stomach (pancreas).
The pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream.
The insulin circulates, enabling sugar to enter your
Insulin lowers the amount of sugar in your
As your blood sugar level drops, so does the secretion
of insulin from your pancreas.
4. Who Required Insulin
People with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin. The beta cells
have been destroyed and they need insulin shots to use glucose from meals.
People with type 2 diabetes make insulin, but their bodies don't respond well to
it. Some people with type 2 diabetes need diabetes pills or insulin shots to help
their bodies use glucose for energy.
5. Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
Body does not make Insulin. Not enough Insulin being produced. Cells do not use
Insulin properly.
Happen in children or young adults. Happen in adulthood.
It can happen even if a person has normal weight. It is more likely to happen when a person is overweight.
Person must take Insulin daily. Treated with diet, exercise, medications or Insulin.
6. Fast-acting insulin (Humalog,
Apidra)
Intermediate-acting insulin
(Humulin)
Long-acting insulin (Lantus,
Levemir)
Rapid Acting Insulin Analogs (Insulin Aspart,
insulin Lyspro@Humalog, Insulin Glulisine)
Onset Action- 5-15min.
Peak Effect- 1-2hrs.
Duration action- 4-6hrs.
NPH Human Insulin
Onset Action- 1-2hrs.
Peak Effect- 4-6hrs.
Duration action- <12hrs.
Long acting insulin analogs (Insulin
Glargine@Lantus, Insulin Detemir@Levemir)
Onset Action- 1.5-2hrs.
Peak Effect- 5hrs.
Duration action
For Detemir- 12-24hrs.
For Glargine- 24hrs.
Regular Human Insulin
Onset Action- 0.5-1hr.
Peak Effect- 2-4hrs.
Duration action- 6-8hrs.
Pre-Mixed Insulin which is NPH(Neutral
Protamine Hagedorn) pre-mixed with either
regular human insulin or a rapid- acting
insulin analog. A fish protein, protamine, has
been added to the Regular human insulin to
delay its absorption.
Absorbed quickly from your fat tissue into
the bloodstream.
Absorbed more slowly & lasts longer. Absorbed slowly, has a minimal peak effect,
and a stable plateau effect that lasts most of
the day.
To control the blood sugar during meals and
snacks and to correct high blood sugars.
To control the blood sugar overnight, while
fasting and between meals.
To control the blood sugar overnight, while
fasting and between meals
7. Timing of Injection in relation to meals
Short acting insulin should be injected 30-45 minutes before
a meal.
Rapid acting insulin should be injected not more than 15min
before a meal.
Intermediate acting insulin needs to be taken in advance of
when it is needed to act.
Long acting insulin can be taken at any time.
8. Where to Inject Insulin
Insulin works best when it is injected into a
layer of fat under the skin, above the muscle
tissue.
Rotating sites is important to insulin
absorption.
Common sites: abdomen, thigh buttocks, upper arms
9. Insulin Storage
Insulin comes from drug manufacturers in three basic packages; vials, pens, and
cartridges.
Never freeze. (Frozen insulin should be thrown away.)
Never use insulin beyond the expiration date stamped on the vial, pen, or
cartridge that is supplied from the drug manufacturer.
Never expose insulin to direct heat or light.
Inspect insulin prior to each use. Any insulin that has clumps or solid white
particles should not be used. Insulin that is supposed to be clear should not have
any cloudy appearance.
10. Check storage guidelines specific to the insulin formulation. This is usually in the
product package insert.
Unopened, not-in-use insulin should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature
of 2-8尊C or 36-46尊 F.
Opened, in-use insulin should be stored at room temperature below 30尊C or 86尊
F.
If receiving insulin through the mail, always confirm that the insulin is going to be
stored under proper requirements.
When storing pre-filled insulin syringes, store them with the needle pointing up.
#6: Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, it typically appears during childhood or adolescence.
Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, can develop at any age, though it's more common in people older than 40.