Why does insulin have to be injected

Finding a routine that works for your type 2 diabetes is key — and that process should involve your doctor. Not doing so can have disastrous consequences," he says. For example, if your blood sugar is elevated because you're not taking your insulin as directed and your doctor increases your dose based on this misinformation, it could result in dangerously low blood sugar hypoglycemia once you start taking insulin again.

Insulin should be injected into the fat just underneath the skin rather than into muscle, which can lead to quicker insulin action and greater risk of low blood sugar. The stomach, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms are common injection sites because of their higher fat content. DO: Time insulin injections with meals. If you take long-acting insulin, this may not be necessary. But if you use shorter-acting or mealtime insulin, check your blood sugar prior to a meal and then give yourself the proper amount of insulin shortly before eating.

When the blood glucose level is low, such as in between meals, the liver releases extra glucose back into the blood to help keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. Types of Insulin There are many types of insulin. Some work slowly and some quickly. Slow-acting insulin releases a steady supply of insulin that controls blood glucose levels over a longer time.

Fast-acting insulin, on the other hand, acts quickly to control blood glucose levels. You need fast-acting insulin when you are sick, under stress undergo operation or have a high blood sugar problem. Related Articles Related Stories. Agency for Integrated Care Community Hospitals. Related Articles Related Stories More. I Quit Programme Stay smoke-free for 28 days and you're 5 times more likely to quit for good.

Tips to Quit Smoking. Help Someone Quit Smoking. Stop and Reverse Pre-diabetes Find out more about pre-diabetes and how you can reverse it by making some changes to your lifestyle.

Checking your blood sugar and looking over results can help you understand how exercise, an exciting event, or different foods affect your blood sugar level. You can use it to predict and avoid low or high blood glucose levels. You can also use this information to make decisions about your insulin dose, food, and activity. For more information, see our Blood Glucose Control section. Some insulin pens contain a cartridge of insulin that is inserted into the pen and some are pre-filled with insulin and discarded after all the insulin has been used.

The insulin dose is dialed on the pen, and the insulin is injected through a needle, much like using a syringe. Cartridges and pre-filled insulin pens only contain one type of insulin. Two injections must be given with an insulin pen if using two types of insulin.

Insulin pumps help you manage diabetes by delivering insulin 24 hours a day through a catheter placed under the skin. Read more about insulin pumps. The place on your body where you inject insulin affects your blood sugar level. Insulin enters the blood at different speeds when injected at different sites. Insulin shots work fastest when given in the abdomen. Being resistant to its effects, termed insulin resistance, is a leading driver of many health….

Glucose, or blood sugar, is key to keeping the body in top shape. Read on to learn how it works, how to test it, and what to do if you have abnormal…. If not treated, high insulin levels can lead to serious health problems. Here are 14 diet and lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your levels. Diabetes hinders your ability to produce insulin.

Without it, cells are starved for energy and must seek an alternate source, leading to serious…. Type 1 diabetes is a complex autoimmune disease that does have genetic risk factors.

Insulin pumps allow for the continuous delivery of insulin to users and serve as an alternative to injections. Learn about how they work and their…. Gestational diabetes causes high levels of blood sugar during pregnancy. Learn about symptoms, treatments, diet, prevention, and more here. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are complex and range from genetic to environmental to lifestyle choices. Learn more.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Type 2 Diabetes. Medically reviewed by Michelle L. Understanding diabetes Managing diabetes with insulin Types of insulin Administration and dosage Storing insulin Side effects and reactions Treatment Alternative medications Ways to manage blood glucose Takeaway What is insulin?

Understanding diabetes. Managing diabetes with insulin. Types of insulin treatments. Insulin type Onset When it peaks in your system Duration When taken Ultra-rapid acting 2 to 15 min min 4 hours Taken with meals, usually with the first bite of a meal. Commonly used along with long-acting insulin. Rapid-acting 15 min 1 hour 2 to 4 hours Taken with meals, typically right before a meal. Commonly used along with longer-acting insulin. Rapid-acting inhaled 10 to 15 min 30 min 3 hours Taken with meals, typically right before a meal.