DIABETES and INSULIN

Insulin is a hormone used to treat diabetes.
The aim of insulin treatment is to achieve the best possible control of blood glucose concentration without making the patient obsessional and to avoid disabling hypoglycaemia. This needs a close co-operation between the patient and the medical team. Good control always reduces the risk of acute problems and help to reduces long term complications. Mixtures of insulin preparations may be required and appropriate combinations have to be determined for the individual patient.

There are 3 main types of insulin preparations:

  • Short duration insulin - a relatively rapid onset of action. (soluble insulin, insulin lispro and insulin aspart)

  • Intermediate action insulin - (isophane insulin and insulin zinc suspension)

  • Long acting insulin - (crystalline insulin zinc suspension)

It is very come these type of insulin use together. It can be combinations like…..

Short-acting insulin mixed with intermediate-acting insulin.
Short-acting insulin -before evening meal.
Intermediate-acting insulin - at bedtime.
Short-acting insulin - three times daily.
Intermediate-acting insulin - at bedtime.
Intermediate-acting insulin with or without short-acting insulin - once daily either before breakfast or at bedtime suffices for some patients with type 2 diabetes who need insulin, sometimes in combination with oral hypoglycaemic drugs.

Additional attension might be needed if you are usuing drug such as dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), salicylates, oral anti-diabetes medicines, or a beta-blocker (propranolol).

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