Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas when we eat carbohydrates and sugar.
It acts as a key and lets the suger into the bodiy's cells, so it can be used as energy.
In diabetes the pancreas does not produce insulin or the bodies cells do not recognise the insulin.
Therefore if you are diabetic you need to take insulin to replace it.
Insulin can currently only be taken by injection into the fat layer.
It cannot be taken as a tablet as the stomach secretions break it down.
Types of insulin...
These are split by the duration the insulin acts for.
Rapid acting
Acts immediatly, and out of the system within 2 hours.
Usually taken just before food.
Short acting
Similar to Rapid, however not as fast.
Usually taken before food.
Intermediate acting
Starts working within the hour and last up to 7 hours.
Usually taken in conjuction with short acting.
Long acting
Starts working within the hour, last up to 24 hours.
No peak of activity like intermediate.
Delivery methods...
Refernces: The information on this page has been adapted from the following scources.
Diabetes.org.uk. Pumps - Diabetes UK [Internet]. 2015 [cited 12 August 2015]. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/teens-pumps
Diabetes.co.uk. Insulin Pumps [Internet]. 2015 [cited 12 August 2015]. Available from: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/Insulin-pumps.html
Diabetes.co.uk. Insulin Types and Information [Internet]. 2015 [cited 12 August 2015]. Available from: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/insulin-types.html
This website lists all the pumps available: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/Insulin-pumps.html
Insulin pump...
Gives continuous insulin through a small cannula (giving set) that sits under the skin
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No injections, one cannula every 2-3 days.
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More flexible lifestyle.
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Eat when you like.
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Helps with sport
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Possibly reduce total insulin
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Really easy to use
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Attached to it 24/7
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If blocked then BM rises quickly
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More likely for DKA
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Scarring or infection at the insertion site