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Types and Functions of Various Types of Insulin

12/25/2016

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas which facilitates the body to use glucose (sugar) from carbohydrates in the food consumed for energy. Insulin assists in keeping your blood sugar level regulated and prevents it from dropping too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia). People who suffer from type-1 diabetes cannot produce insulin since their beta cells in the pancreas are either destroyed or damaged. Therefore, they require insulin injections for their bodies to process sugar and thereby prevent complications from hyperglycemia.

There are various types of insulin used to treat type-1 diabetes, which include:

Rapid-Acting
This type of insulin is typically taken before every meal to prevent the blood glucose from elevating after a meal. Rapid-acting insulin is used in combination with longer-acting insulin.

Pros

As the name suggests, this type of insulin produces quick results, making it easier to time insulin with food.
Rapid-acting insulin is quickly absorbed by the body and works as effectively as naturally produced insulin.
This type of insulin provides more flexibility, which means you can compensate an extra serving of carbohydrates consumed by taking an extra shot of the insulin.

Cons

The results are extremely short-term

Short-Acting
This type of insulin covers the body’s insulin needs for meals within 30 to 60 minutes. It is also taken in combination with long-acting insulin.

Pros

You have to take short-acting insulin before breakfast and supper and this is enough to keep your blood sugar level in check

Cons

Peak time is only 2 to 5 hours

Intermediate-Acting
This type of insulin works in a similar way as long-acting insulin, covering your insulin needs for
around half of the day or throughout the night, and is typically combined with short or rapid-acting insulin. It lowers blood glucose level in case rapid-acting insulin ceases to work. This type of insulin is taken two times a day.

Pros

Controls blood sugar up to 12 hours with a peak time 2 to 5 hours

Cons

The insulin can take up to 1.5 to 4 hours to reach the bloodstream

Long-Acting
Taken in combination with rapid-acting insulin twice a day, long-acting insulin acts as a backup should rapid-acting insulin stop working and covers the body’s insulin needs for a complete day.

Pros

Unlike rapid and short-acting insulin, long-acting insulin can regulate blood sugar level for the whole day, and provides a similar effects as your natural pancreas.

Cons

This type of insulin brings the possible risk of various side effects including chills, headaches, fainting, dizziness, blurred vision and weakness

Administering Insulin - Important Points to Keep in Mind

When not in use, vials of insulin should be refrigerated. You have to keep the liquid away from extreme temperatures to prevent frosting, clumping, or loss of potency. Any important storage guidelines as provided by the manufacturer should be taken into consideration.
The insulin should not be mixed with any other diluent or medication unless permitted by the prescribing doctor.
Lente insulins should not be mixed with phosphate-buffered insulins.
Consistency is important in terms of the insulin brand and type used.
Always take a dose of insulin at room temperature. If it has been sitting in the refrigerator, take it out 30 minutes before injecting to properly let its temperature normalize.
Make sure there are no air bubbles in the injection.
Avoid changing the direction of the needle when inserting or withdrawing.
Thoroughly wash and dry your hand prior to filling the syringe with insulin.
When injecting the insulin, pinch the skin then put the needle at an angle of 45 degrees. Leave the syringe injected in the skin for about 5 seconds.
Do NOT inject in an area that is swollen, bruised or tender.
Prevent your shots from coming into contact with any scars (1 inch away) and navel (2 inches away).
Use disposable syringes only once.
Consult your pharmacist about the best way and place to store insulin. Never put insulin in the freezer.

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Ways to Create Diabetes Awareness This November

11/6/2016

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November is the designated Diabetes Awareness month. Despite people all around the world knowing about diabetes, both type-1 and type-2, in detail, there is still a glaring lack of awareness, as evidenced by the fact that millions of people are developing the conditions year on year. For people at risk of type-2 diabetes, proper awareness can help them prevent the onset of the disease. For those at risk of type-1 diabetes, knowing the symptoms of the condition can prove life saving. Therefore, it is important that you play your part in creating diabetes awareness this November.

There is no doubt that awareness is the key to reducing the impact of diabetes. Through awareness, more funds can be raised for researching the condition and developing treatments. Moreover, people will be more understanding and empathetic towards people who have been afflicted by type-1 diabetes. Often, people suffering from type-1 diabetes have to fend for themselves because the people around them aren’t supportive enough. This can exacerbate their situation and make it more difficult for them to manage their day to day life.

Community Initiatives
At a basic level, you can raise awareness by volunteering to share information about diabetes around your community. You can speak at the church or a school near your home. You can also discuss the condition with your family and friends, especially if someone is already suffering from the condition. You can also initiate a fundraising drive in your neighborhood. Speak to any local organization which is working towards raising diabetes awareness and work with them to launch a campaign which can last throughout the month. Keep in mind, every dollar you raise can make a difference.

Social Media
JDRF is a charitable organization focusing on type-1 diabetes. For the past several years, they have designated November 1 as ‘Type-1 Diabetes Awareness Day’, known popularly as T1D. Of course, November 1 has passed now but you can still sign up for their social media campaign through Thunderclap. Just Google it and you will come across it. JDRF has been working towards Type-1 diabetes research by providing funding to different researches. Joining their cause is a great way to increase diabetes awareness.

Moreover, you can look for other social media campaigns which are focused on type-1 diabetes awareness and join in. use your Facebook and Twitter to share facts about Type-1 diabetes as well. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has plenty of infographics with information about diabetes that you can share on social media. You can also share the statistics published by the ADA from time to time.

The Big Blue Test
You can actually donate money without using your own money by taking the Big Blue Test. Initiated by the Diabetes Hands Foundation, the test involves testing your blood sugar and then working out for around 20 minutes followed by another blood sugar test. You have to share the results of your test online and each time you do so, $1 will be donated to nonprofits that are working to provide care and education to people who are at risk of and suffering from diabetes.

Hope in the Hand
Among the simplest and quickest ways in which you can raise awareness for type-1 diabetes is the Hope in the Hand campaign. The campaign is designed to support children who are suffering from type-1 diabetes and prove to them they are not alone. All you need to do is write HOPE on your hand and click a picture of it. Post the picture on your Facebook and you will be part of the campaign. You can post the picture on any day of the year, but it is important that you do so during the Diabetes Awareness month.

The Blue Circle Selfie
The Blue Circle is considered the global symbol for diabetes. You can download the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) selfie app which allows you to take a selfie with a blue circle. Then, you simply have to share it on your social media profiles. You can also get your friends and family to take selfies using the app too, which will help spread the word. As a side note, you can wear blue on each Friday of November. The hashtag #bluefridays can help you find more information and create diabetes awareness.

Diabetes Walk
Numerous organizations organize walks as a means of raising funds for diabetes research and care for needy people. You can sign up for the walks organized by the ADA or JDRF. The best part is these walks are held all across the country, so you can take part in the one that is nearest to your home. You can tell your friends and family about the walks and get them to participate as well. And don’t forget to share your picture as part of the walk on your social media profiles.

These are some ways in which you can participate in creating diabetes awareness. Don’t consider any contribution or involvement small, as the purpose is to make people aware of this condition.

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The Struggles People with Type-1 Diabetes Face

10/14/2016

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Type-1 diabetes is a difficult condition to live with. It is one of the few medical conditions for which there exists no cure and treating and managing it isn’t a walk in the park either. Naturally, people who suffer from type-1 diabetes have to face different struggles. From childhood to the end of their lives, they have to not only regulate their blood sugar levels and administer insulin to themselves, but also have to bear the effects of their condition on their overall health and lifestyle. Here is an overview of the struggles people with type-1 diabetes face:

Children
Children have it worst when it comes to type-1 diabetes. For one, children aren’t experienced or mentally and physically capable of dealing with a major health condition. They need to have their blood sugar check on a daily basis, virtually after every meal. Plus, they need insulin if the levels are not in the normal range. For a kid who wants to spend his/her time playing, studying, and doing things that kids normally do, this can be almost impossible to process. To think about having your finger pricked can make an adult jump but sometimes kids as young as 5 years old have to go through it.

Not to mention, their activity levels have to be monitored to. If they expend too much energy, their blood sugar level goes for a toss. Then, there is the need to inject insulin, which can be difficult if the kid is not at home. You would have heard of children feeling embarrassed about being injected at school, especially with other people watching. Not to mention, like their friends, kids with type-1 diabetes cannot have all the candy they want, which, for a child, is a big deal.

Teens
Teens have it slightly easier than young children. They are old enough to manage their condition, but their parents still have to be actively involved. This dependence comes with its own struggle, that to break free and be independent, which might have grave consequences. Having grown up with the condition can program teens to the lifestyle they are required to follow to keep their condition in check, which does make it more manageable.
Young Adults

Type-1 diabetes can affect the personal and professional lives of young adults. Imagine having to attend a meeting in 30 minutes and suddenly you start feeling dizzy. This is what happens if the blood sugar level of a type-1 diabetic fluctuates. This can mean missed meetings, days taken off from work, and other similar situations. This can also leads to problems in bed. Type-1 diabetes is known to cause issues with sexual health and changes in blood sugar levels can thwart intimate moments. Not to mention people with insulin patches on their bodies might have intimacy issues.

Adults
The modern lifestyle people lead is conducive to stress, and stress is considered one of the leading triggers of health problems for people with type-1 diabetes. You might be tempted to eat a piece of cake when you can’t fall asleep at night, but you cannot because you are not sure how your blood sugar will react. You have to carry insulin with you wherever you go, regardless of the situation, which is not a pleasant experience, but going without it can prove fatal. This more or less restricts adults with type-1 diabetes from leaving the home, except for going to work, for extended periods.

Managing type-1 diabetes is a struggle in itself. The constant monitoring of sugar levels and administering insulin can be a challenge, especially for children and teens with the condition. Their troubles are only compounded by the effects of their condition, as mentioned above. Hence, there is little doubt that type-1 diabetes is among the most difficult medical conditions to manage and live with.

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New Treatment for Type-1 Diabetics: The FDA Approves Artificial Pancreas

10/1/2016

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A new method for carrying insulin has been approved by the FDA. Known informally as an artificial pancreas, the system is the size of a standard smartphone. When attached to the body, the system monitors the insulin levels of Type-1 Diabetics and then delivers insulin if the levels go below the safety threshold. Titled the Medtronic MiniMed 670G system, it will be available for type-1 diabetes patients with a minimum age of 14 years.

Several experts have hailed the approval from the FDA, as it facilitates treatment of the condition in a more effective way. The device will not be available off the counter. After receiving a prescription and getting the device, patients can start using it. There are three main components of the system, which include

An insulin pump, which is attached to the body via a strap
A glucose meter, which is an electrode implanted into the skin
An infusion patch, which delivers insulin to the pancreas via a catheter and is connected to the insulin pump

This allows for constant regulation of the insulin levels of the patient. A reading is taken every 5 minutes, which ensures there are no major fluctuations and that the health and safety of the patient is not compromised. The device has been designed to deliver insulin if the levels are below a certain level. If the insulin levels of the patient are stable and beyond a normal level, the device doesn’t administer insulin.

This is a major breakthrough for type-1 diabetics. There is no cure for the disease, though only 5% of diabetics actually have the type-1 variant. Because it is a major health condition, patients have to keep a constant check on their blood sugar level and then use insulin as and when needed. In addition, they have to monitor their diet. Imbalance in the blood sugar level can leave to diabetic coma, which can prove fatal.

There are a number of devices already available to help type-1 diabetes patients monitor their blood sugar levels. However, they still have to administer insulin to themselves or have someone do it. The artificial pancreas takes this hassle out of the equation by automating the process. Patients no longer have to worry about carrying insulin. The only thing patients have to handle manually is the level of bolus insulin, i.e. they have to add an extra dose when they consume a meal which leads to a spike in their blood sugar.

The FDA assessed data which was obtained from an extensive trial conducted on 123 people who suffer from type-1 diabetes. Initially, there was a risk that relying on the device could lead to hypoglycemia but no such concerns were reported at the conclusion of the trial. Moreover, no side effects were observed in the participants.

Though further testing is required to ensure the artificial pancreas functions seamlessly and delivers the desired result, it is a major breakthrough for type-1 diabetes treatment and management, one that was long awaited. According to the company, the device will be available to the public from January 2017.

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Type-1 Diabetes: What’s True and What’s Not

8/22/2016

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While there is a lot of information about Type-1 Diabetes out there, not all of it is based on well-documented facts. Following bad advice may actually harm an individual with Type-1 Diabetes, so it’s a great idea to consult your diabetes care team if you come across information that sounds too good to be true, or doesn’t quite seem right. In an effort to bust myths surrounding Type-1 Diabetes, we have listed the most common myths about Type-1 Diabetes, and discussed their reality:

Myth #1: Consuming Too Much Sugar Causes Type-1 Diabetes
Not really! Type-1 Diabetes occurs when the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin - which controls the level of glucose in the bloodstream - are destroyed. How much sugar a person eats is not related to this process, and therefore has nothing to do with causing Type-1 Diabetes.

Myth#2: You Can Catch Diabetes From Someone Who Has It
Although we are yet to find out why exactly some people develop Type-1 Diabetes, what we do know is that you cannot catch it from another person. Diabetes is in no way contagious, and as far as Type-1 goes, is more likely to develop in a family with a history of the condition.

Myth #3: People with Type-1 Diabetes Can Never Eat Sweets
If combined with exercise, or eaten as a part of a healthy meal plan, people with Type-1 Diabetes can eat desserts and sweets. However, they should not indulge in sweets, and just save them for special occasions so they can focus on eating foods that are more healthful.

Myth#4: People with Diabetes Can Tell When Their Blood Sugar is High or Low
No. You might feel certain symptoms, such as fatigue or weakness, if your blood sugar is high or low, but the only way to find out your blood sugar level is to test it regularly. If you do not, you may have high blood sugar levels, which is enough to damage your body, without you even knowing it!

Myth #5: Insulin Cures Diabetes
Type-1 diabetes is a medical condition that is managed with the help of insulin, but it does not actually cure it. Sure, it helps to move glucose out of the blood, and helps keep blood sugar under control, but it doesn’t make the diabetes go away.

Myth #6: People with Diabetes Can't Exercise
Not true! Exercise is important for people of all ages, whether they have diabetes or not. Regular exercise has several benefits. Not only does it help to keep your weight under control, but is also good for your lungs and heart, and relieves stress. Moreover, exercise is helpful for managing blood sugar, but you should talk to your diabetes care team to discuss which exercise you need to go with.

And that’s about it! Now that you know what is true and what is not, you will be able to better manage Type-1 Diabetes better and stay healthy.

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Types and Functions of Various Types of Insulin

Ways to Create Diabetes Awareness This November

The Struggles People with Type-1 Diabetes Face

New Treatment for Type-1 Diabetics: The FDA Approves Artificial Pancreas

Type-1 Diabetes: What’s True and What’s Not

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﻿Types and Functions of Various Types of Insulin

﻿Ways to Create Diabetes Awareness This November

The Struggles People with Type-1 Diabetes Face

New Treatment for Type-1 Diabetics: The FDA Approves Artificial Pancreas

Type-1 Diabetes: What’s True and What’s Not

Type 1 Warriors

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Types and Functions of Various Types of Insulin

Ways to Create Diabetes Awareness This November