INSULIN IN DIABETES MANAGEMENT Do you know that in Diabetes, Insulin therapy gives maximum HbA1C reduction?
What is Insulin? It is a hormone produced by pancreas to regulate the levels of glucose in the blood. In absence of insulin our body cells cannot use glucose as a source of energy. g g Insulin unlocks the cells for entry of glucose Why do I need insulin? The answer will be your key weapon to win over diabetes! We all need energy to grow and be strong. We get energy from the food we eat. The food we eat is broken down into glucose If the glucose cannot enter the cells, you will get tired. Glucose needs to enter the cells in your body before it can be used as energy. Insulin opens the doors to the cells in your body, so that glucose can enter the cells and be used.
Insulin Secretion in Body Insulin is secreted during fasting state known as Basal Insulin. The secretion of insulin increases in response to increased blood glucose levels after taking food. This process is affected in diabetes for which insulin from outside needs to be injected. Insulin Secretion Basal Most comfortable injection experience Shorter, thinner and effective for patients Reduces the risk of injections into the muscle Allows no-pinch technique for all Fits all pens Breakfast Bedtime Snack dinner Snack Lunch Breakfast Injection Needle
Insulin Injection Sites Be aware of the injection sites Upper outer arms Abdomen Buttocks Upper outer thighs Store your Insulin Safely D TE LA E SU S IN CA Follow storage guidelines to ensure that diabetes stays out of stock! Protect your insulin (bottles, pens and cartridges) from extremes of hot and cold temperature. If you're going outdoors for a while in hot or cold weather, store your insulin in an insulated case. Never freeze. (Frozen insulin should be thrown away). Do not store insulin in the dashboard of your car. Don't leave your insulin in a closed car during very warm or cold weather. Don't store your insulin near radiators, heat vents, ovens, air conditioners, etc. Never expose insulin to direct heat or light.
Myths & Facts Know your insulin better to fight diabetes better Myth: Insulin means I am a failure Fact: Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and insulin is a logical stepfor treating when other medicines no longer keep your blood glucose levels under control Myth: Insulin does not work Fact: Insulin injections mimic natural insulin produced by the body, and thus it is the best way to lower your blood glucose Myth: Insulin causes weight gain Fact: Some patients on insulin are prone to gain weight. Consulting a dietician would be helpful before initiating insulin to achieve its benefits Myth: Insulin injections are painful Fact: Newer insulin pen needles are very small and thin; thus pain is negligible Myth: Insulin is too expensive Fact: Insulin is usually less expensive. Compared to using oral medication Myth: Insulin causes complications Fact: Starting insulin earlier infact can even prevent or delay the complications related to diabetes Myth: Insulin causes hypoglycemia Fact: In the era of newer insulins, hypoglycemia events are less. Knowledge of preventing, recognizing and treating hypoglycemia helps in better management of diabetes Myth: Insulin means that my life will change Fact: Your life could change for better. Many people feel more energetic and positive after starting insulin.
Travelling with Insulin Take 7 simple steps to ensure that the rest of the journey is hassle-free! Inflight: Keep your insulin in the cabin baggage and not in the check-in baggage. Train/Bus/Car: Carry insulin in ice packs. While travelling across different time zones, consult your physician for insulin dose adjustments. Carry at least a week s supply of insulin and syringes Protect insulin from light, heat and cold temperature. Vigorous shaking of insulin should be avoided. Always carry your diabetes Identification Card. Manage Hypoglycemia before it un-manages you! Hungry Blurry vision Anxious Dizzy Headache Irritable Weekness or fatigue Sweating Fast heartbeat Shaky 1 CHECK your blood glucose, right away. If you can t check, treat anyway. 2 TREAT by eating 3-4 glucose tablets or 3-5 hard candies you can chew quickly (such as peppermints), or by drinking 4-ounces of fruit juice, or 1/2 can of regular soda pop. For further details contact: ELI Lilly and Company (India) Pvt. Ltd. Plot No. 92, Sector-32, Gurgaon-122001, Haryana www.lillyindia.co.in 3 CHECK your blood glucose again after 15 minutes. If symptoms don t stop, call your healthcare provider. HLG /Cycle Feb 2015 /06 what can you do? SYMPTOMS Cause: Too little food or skipping a meal; too much insulin or diabetes pills; more physical activity than usual. Onset is often sudden; may be fatal if untreated