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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.
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Diabetic products you can’t do without

Most diabetics cannot escape from the ultimate reality: buying diabetic products.

The first of these is a diabetic glucose meter. Whether your sugar levels are high or low, you will need to monitor your glucose levels closely. If you are new to the condition, you may want to test your blood sugar levels 2-3 times a day. As you exercise food control and start regular exercise, you may have a better awareness of how to keep your blood glucose levels stable. Even when you are acclimatized to your body’s fluctuating glucose levels, you might feel comfortable keeping a precise count of your blood sugar levels.

There are different models of blood glucose meters available. Blood glucose meters are portable and give readings in under a few seconds. For most beginners, the best model is one that requires just a small drop of blood to give precise readings.

Another important diabetic product is the test strip. Test strips, lancets, wipes and sanitizing lotion make up the complete diabetic test kit. Having all these products grouped together as a kit makes it easy for you to move around without worrying about one or the other product.

Different kinds of syringes are available to help patients administer insulin safely and painlessly. Syringes are designed to ensure maximum comfort without compromising accuracy.

In addition to these, patients may also have to use certain specialized diabetic products that can become a part of the emergency kit. Glucose pens, glucose tablets and insulin are a part of the kit. Many patients also prefer to carry a medic alert bracelet. This is worn over the hand and it alerts emergency personnel of your diabetic condition.

It is important to keep in mind that diabetic products are being reinvented all the time. New products offer even more convenience and accuracy than before. Therefore, it makes sense to keep up with changing products. Even if you are quite satisfied with a particular product, you may need to change the device from time to time, as these products tend to lose accuracy over time.

If you are a diabetic, you can help yourself by keeping a regular tab over what is new in the market and whether the product is of help to you. Your aim should be to strike a balance between your needs, your finances and your convenience.

Written by Racing Diabetic on June 13th, 2009 with no comments.
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