Insulin is produced in the beta cells of the pancreas and removes glucose from the bloodstream. Problems with insulin leads to diabetes, a disease in which there is an abnormally high level of glucose in the blood. It is caused by insufficient amounts of insulin in the blood or inefficient use of insulin by the body. The aim of treatment in diabetes is to maintain near-normal glucose levels. Insulin administration and other devices are needed to do this.
Insulin
Insulin is an important part of diabetes treatment. Type 1 and 2 diabetes are the two main types of diabetes. Type 2 is characterized by insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production. In type 1 the body produces little to no insulin. Therefore, people who suffer from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to survive. Some type 2 diabetes sufferers may also need insulin.
There are different types of insulin. The difference is based on how fast they work. Rapid-acting insulin begins to lower blood glucose levels within minutes of administration and this effect lasts about five hours. Long-acting insulin starts working one to 10 hours after administration and lasts for up to 24 hours.
Monitoring Devices
People with diabetes use a glucose monitor to check their blood glucose levels. There are different types of glucose meters but typically they function the same way. To use a glucose monitoring device, a source of blood, test strips to place the blood sample on and a meter to read the amount of sugar in the blood sample are needed. Monitoring the amount of glucose in the blood is important because it shows whether a diabetic patient has good control over the disease and whether doses of the medication need to be increased.
Injections
Insulin can be injected with syringes and needles or with an insulin pen. Insulin pumps are also used to administer insulin. Insulin syringes are calibrated in units instead of in milliliters and come in large and small sizes. The type of insulin syringe used depends on the dose that needs to be given. Some insulin pens are disposable while others are used with disposable cartridges. An insulin pump is made of a small pager-like device that holds a reservoir of insulin, with a tube running from the pump to a cannula embedded under the skin of the abdomen. The pump is programed to deliver a certain dose of insulin throughout the day. The insulin travels from the pump through the tubing and into the cannula. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggests that the pumps can also give one-time large doses at meals or when blood sugar levels are too high.
References
- "Nonprescription Product Therapeutics;" W. Steven Pray; 2006
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Alternative Devices for Taking Insulin
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes Overview
- Life Clinic: Diabetic Supply Guide
- Mayo Clinic: Insulin- Compare Common Options For Insulin Therapy
