Treating Diabetes

Insulin is a hormone made by beta cells in the pancreas. When we eat, insulin is released into the bloodstream where it helps to move glucose from the food we have eaten into cells to be used as energy.
In people with type 1 diabetes, the body produces little or no insulin as the cells that produce insulin have been destroyed by an autoimmune reaction in the body. Insulin replacement by daily injections is required.
In people with type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but the insulin does not work as well as it should. This is often referred to as insulin resistance. To compensate the body makes more but eventually cannot make enough to keep the balance right. Lifestyle changes can delay the need for tablets and/or insulin to stabilize blood glucose levels. When insulin is required, it is important to understand that this is just the natural progression of the condition.

Insulin: The Holy Grail of Diabetes Treatment

RMIT University has produced a short overview of insulin, a drug that keeps in excess of one million Australians alive. Watch the video to understand why insulin is important and why so many Australians rely on it to stay alive. Copyright © 2015 RMIT University, Prepared by the School of Applied Sciences (Discipline of Chemistry).

Administering Insulin

At this stage, insulin can only be injected. Insulin cannot be given in tablet form as it would be destroyed in the stomach, meaning it would not be available to convert glucose into energy.
Insulin is injected through the skin into the fatty tissue known as the subcutaneous layer. You do not inject it into a muscle or directly into the blood. Absorption of insulin varies depending on the part of the body into which you inject. The tummy (abdomen) absorbs insulin the fastest and is the site used by most people. The buttocks and thighs are also used by some people.
While it is essential to give each injection in a slightly different spot within one site, it is not advisable to change sites without first discussing it with your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator.
The range of injection devices and tiny needles available today make injecting insulin much easier than most people imagine. When starting insulin, your doctor and Credentialled Diabetes Educator will help you adjust to the new routine and task of giving insulin and find the right dose to reduce your blood glucose levels to acceptable levels.

Insulin Syringes

Insulin can be injected by an insulin syringe, an insulin pen with a fine needle, or via an insulin pump. Each method is chosen for a particular purpose and based on an individual’s needs.
Insulin syringes and insulin pens (pen needles) are currently the most common way of administering insulin. Injection devices are made in different sizes, and the size used depends on the quantity of insulin being injected. To avoid under or over-dosing, it is important that you know how to measure the insulin dose in your device. Your Credentialled Diabetes Educator can help you with this. Syringes should only be used once, and then disposed of in an appropriate syringe disposal unit.

Insulin Delivery Devices (pens)

Many people find pen devices easier and more convenient to use than syringes. If you have difficulties with your sight or have problems with arthritis you may find a pen device easier to use. Pen devices are available in different shapes and sizes. An insulin cartridge (3 ml, containing 300 units of insulin) fits into the device. When finished, a new cartridge is inserted. Some pen devices, however, are pre-filled with insulin and the whole device is disposable. Your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator will advise the one that’s right for your needs and lifestyle.
Syringes and pen needles are free for people registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).

Types of Insulin

When you take insulin it acts to reduce the level of glucose in your blood. When glucose is at its lowest level, the effect of the insulin is said to have reached its ‘peak’. After this, the effect gradually wears off and blood glucose levels rise.
Your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator will work out with you what type of insulin is right for you.

Fast-acting insulin is clear in appearance and starts to work from 1 to 20 minutes. It peaks approximately 1 hour later and lasts from 3 to 5 hours. You must eat immediately after injecting fast-acting insulin.
Short-acting insulin is clear in appearance. It begins to work within half an hour, so you need to inject half an hour before eating, and it peaks at 2 to 4 hours and lasts for 6 to 8 hours.
Intermediate-acting insulin is cloudy in appearance and has either protamine or zinc added to delay its action. It begins to work about 1 and a half hours after injecting, peaks at 4 to 12 hours, and lasts for 16 to 24 hours. Before injecting, check the leaflet included in the pack for instructions on preparing the insulin.
Mixed insulin is cloudy in appearance and contains pre-mixed combinations of either fast-acting or short-acting insulin and intermediate-acting insulin. This makes injecting easier by giving two types of insulin in one injection. This insulin can be taken before a meal to provide a stable level of insulin for some time after the meal. Before injecting, check the leaflet included in the pack for instructions on preparing the insulin.
Long-acting insulin is clear in appearance. It typically has no pronounced peak and lasts for up to 24 hours.