How to Use Insulin – Know the Facts
Insulin is the most anabolic steroid you can take. On the other hand its also one of the most dangerous for two reasons – availability and ignorance. I will be the first to tell you that every time I have been hypoglycemic (when blood sugar drops to dangerous levels) its has been as a result of something I did wrong. Used responsibility and with respect for the potential sides it is quite safe and extremely effective. That being said we’ll start off with what you are going to need.
Insulin pumps are a safe, effective way to deliver intensive insulin therapy. The device involves a small catheter, which is inserted under the skin, and a pump, which is about the size of a pager, that is worn outside the body. The pump has a reservoir and can be programmed to deliver small amounts of insulin on a schedule that you determine. To deliver extra doses of insulin (at mealtime, for example), you simply press a button on the device.
Insulin is a hormone that controls the level of blood sugar (also called glucose) in your body. People with diabetes may not have enough insulin or may not be able to use it properly. The sugar then builds up in the blood and overflows into the urine, passing out of your body unused. This deprives you of an important source of energy.
The goal of taking insulin is to keep your blood sugar level in a normal range as much as possible so you’ll stay healthy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems such as blindness and kidney failure.
Insulin is injected into fat just under the skin using a small needle. There are several places in the body where it can be injected. Insulin works fastest when injected near the stomach, medium speed when injected into the arm, and slowest when injected into the thigh or buttocks. Your doctor will discuss these methods with you.
Oral hypoglycemic agents are often used by type II diabetics who can’t control the disease by means of diet or exercise. These medications are taken by mouth and are usually given once daily. They may lower blood glucose levels for as long as four to five days after the last dose is taken. Other agents last for only 24 hours. The newer drugs have fewer side effects and are more potent. But they are also more likely to cause hypoglycemia and should be used cautiously.
The insulin pen looks like an ink pen with a cartridge. On one end is a small needle; on the other is a plunger that you press to deliver the insulin under the skin. A dial on the cartridge allows you to select your desired dosage of insulin. Although it can cost more than a regular needle and syringe, the pen injector is a convenient and accurate device for using insulin. It can be a good choice for people who do not feel comfortable using a needle and syringe in public or at school or work.
Written by Racing Diabetic on June 26th, 2009 with no comments.
Read more articles on Health.












