Why do I actually need insulin?
Insulin is a hormone. Its most important role is to regulate the blood sugar: in other words, to stop blood glucose levels becoming too high. Insulin delivers the glucose from the blood to the body’s cells, thereby reducing the level of sugar in the blood. The cells use the glucose as a source of energy.
Insulin also stimulates the body to convert any glucose that is not currently needed and store it for later use. This stored form of glucose is called glycogen. Insulin affects a great many of the body’s organs, especially the fat tissue, the muscles and the liver. It promotes protein and fat formation in the body. If the body is lacking in insulin, for example, it starts to break down (metabolise) protein, i.e. muscle tissue.
Insulin is produced by cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. These are the only cells to produce insulin. The insulin is delivered to the bloodstream from here.
Who actually needs insulin?
Have you been suffering from type 2 diabetes for long? Then you may have noticed that your blood glucose values have been increasing slightly over the years - in spite of diabetes tablets and a healthy lifestyle. This is the case for many type 2 diabetics. When the tablets are ultimately no longer able to sufficiently lower the blood glucose, it frequently makes sense to start using insulin.
For all practical purposes, type 1 diabetics are required to begin an insulin therapy directly after the diagnosis because their own body is destroying the insulin producing beta cells.
Many different types of insulin
A wide variety of insulins are available today. For instance, they differ in their effective duration, the timing of the most pronounced blood glucose lowering effect, and in the potentially required injection-meal interval. The doctor can therefore select the insulin best suited for you, depending on the type of insulin therapy and your personal needs and requirements during daily life.
It is particularly useful, if you yourself are aware of the most important characteristics of your insulin medication. For example: you know that your insulin develops the most pronounced blood glucose lowering effect after 2 to 3 hours. But your blood glucose has already dropped to 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) after 1 hour. You then know that it is probably time for you to eat additional carbohydrates in order to avoid hypoglycaemia. Ask your doctor about the properties of your insulin!
If you are being treated with insulin, it is best for you to also know the name and the manufacturer of your insulin. You will then receive the correct insulin if you are travelling internationally or need an insulin prescription from a new doctor - or at least a comparable one.
Insulins can be generally categorized into rapid-acting insulins, common long-acting insulins, intermediate-acting insulins, and other insulins. Any of these can be used in various insulin therapies.
The treating doctor will select the best suited type of insulin in coordination with you. Follow the doctor´s dosage instructions and treatment plan. Read the package insert of your insulin carefully and consult your doctor or pharmacist in case you have questions.