Insulin: which is and how it works

Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to control blood sugar, but when not enough is produced for this function, as in diabetes, it is necessary to use drugs containing synthetic insulin.

There are several types of synthetic insulins, such as regular insulin, NPH, Lispro, Glargine or Detemir, for example, that mimic the action of the body’s natural hormone and are applied by daily injections into the skin with drums, feathers or small pumps. . specialized.

  • Insulin thus helps normalize glucose values.
  • Detected in the blood test.
  • And allows diabetics to maintain a healthy life and avoid complications of this disease.
  • Such as retinopathy.
  • Kidney failure and heart attack.
  • For example.

However, its use should begin as indicated by the general practitioner, the endocrinologist, depending on the type of insulin and its various degrees of precision depending on the needs of each person.

Insulin types differ depending on the time of action and when they are applied, including:

These are slow-acting or ultra-slow insulins that last a long time, so blood pressure remains constant to mimic basal and minimal insulin during the day. The main types are to stop Glargina for more than 24 hours, which lasts more than 30 hours.

Currently, there are ultra-slow insulins, which can work for 2 days, which can reduce the number of injections and improve the quality of life of diabetics.

This type of insulin is considered intermediate and acts throughout the day, between 12 and 24 hours, the main types of NPH, Slow and NPL.

This can also mimic the basal effect of insulin, applying 1 to 3 times a day, depending on the amount of care needed for each person and the doctor’s reference.

Also known as fast-acting or regular insulin, it is an insulin that should be applied about 30 minutes before main meals, usually 3 times a day, as it helps maintain a stable level of blood sugar after food intake.

These types of insulin are ultra-fast and have an immediate effect, they must be applied immediately before eating, in some cases just after eating, mimicking the action of insulin that occurs when we eat to prevent them from stabilizing. Blood sugar levels are high.

The main children Lyspro, Aspart or Glulisine

The characteristics that differentiate the main types of insulin are:

Before lunch

Usually 2 to 3 times a day

The onset of insulin activation is the time it takes for insulin to begin to take effect after administration and maximum action when insulin reaches its maximum effect.

Students with diabetes may need fast-acting, ultra-fast insulin preparations and intermediate-acting insulin, called predefined insulin such as Humulin 70/30 or Humalog Mix, for example, to control the disease and is typically used to facilitate and decrease its use. . number of stings, mainly in the elderly or difficulty preparing insulin due to motor or eye problems.

In addition to insulin injections given with a specialized pen or syringe, you can also use the insulin pump, which is an electronic device that remains connected to the body and releases insulin for 24 hours, and allows better control of sugar levels in blood and much of diabetes, which can be used in people of all ages, usually type 1 diabetics.

For any type of insulin to be effective, it is essential to apply it correctly, since it is necessary:

In addition, it is important to keep the insulin, store it in the refrigerator but it is closed, and once opened it should be protected from the sun and heat and should not be used for more than a month.

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