Should i take insulin for diabetes

Learn more. This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

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Contact afpserv aafp. Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Next: Diabetes and Exercise. Aug 01, Issue. Am Fam Physician. What is insulin, and why do I need it? Do I need to monitor my blood sugar level? How often will I need to take insulin? When should I take insulin? What is different about insulin lispro? Types of insulin Each type of insulin works at a different speed and lasts for a different length of time. How do I take insulin?

Pull back on the plunger to draw the insulin into the syringe. Inject the insulin with the needle at an angle of about 90 degrees. Thin people may find it easier to inject at an angle of 45 degrees. Your healthcare team will use information about your fasting, pre-meal, and post-meal blood sugar levels to make changes to your insulin regimen.

Hypoglycemia Learn the symptoms of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia , and what to do if you have them. The warning signs include feeling cold, shaky, dizzy, or confused.

Symptoms can come on suddenly, so patients should know to drink a half-glass of juice, eat some hard candies, or chew some glucose tabs. Treatment Team During the transition, stay in close contact with your treatment team.

People starting insulin are often advised to meet with their health care providers on a weekly basis until blood sugars stabilize and the appropriate insulin dose is determined. Unfortunately, in those who already have complications, some of the damage is not reversible," said Mazhari. In many cases this can help reduce the number or dose of the diabetic medication the patient is on, including insulin," Mazhari added. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

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