When do diabetics inject insulin?

This is an automatically translated article.

This article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Thi Duyen - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Insulin is one of the most effective antidiabetic drugs to help lower blood sugar and is absolutely indicated for patients with type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and type 2 diabetes (when the patient has changed diet, exercise, and medication for diabetes that doesn't control blood sugar). In order to use insulin effectively and patients can self-inject insulin at home, it is very important to know what insulin is, how it works and when to use insulin most appropriate.

1. The concept of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder with the following properties: Hyperglycemia associated with abnormalities in carbohydrate, lipid and nerve metabolism and cardiovascular diseases as a result of atherosclerosis.
Diabetes has different disease forms, the most common are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, in addition, there are gestational diabetes and specific diseases of diabetes due to other causes. (secondary diabetes).

2. Insulin and its role in blood glucose control in diabetic patients

2.1 What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone secreted by beta cells in the islets of the pancreas. Insulin affects the processes of glucose storage and use by body tissues, especially in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. It is the only hormone that lowers blood glucose levels. In the treatment of diabetes, depending on the specific case of the patient, insulin may be prescribed by the doctor, just like other antidiabetic drugs.

2.2 The role of insulin in glycemic control in diabetic patients

The aim of the insulin treatment regimen is to
Re-supply the most suitable amount of insulin to the body's physiological insulin secretion (due to the body's deficiency, which is common in type diabetes or sub-diabetes). insulin dependent) Basal insulin levels remain stable when no energy is consumed. Insulin levels peak after each meal Some people with diabetes cannot take oral medications (gestational diabetes, diabetes mellitus). If you have type 2 diabetes with acute comorbidities), use insulin to control blood sugar. In Vietnam, there are insulin injections with different durations of action (short-acting insulin, medium-acting insulin, long-acting insulin and premixed insulin - a combination of insulins in certain proportions). Using insulin is now easier for patients as well. In addition to traditional injection, patients now have insulin injectors, with many advantages such as accurate insulin dosage, ease of use, and ease of carrying.

3. When do diabetics take insulin?

Indications for insulin injection
Mandatory for type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes when: Decompensation due to stress, infection, acute wound, hyperglycemia with severe acute hyperketosis. Uncontrollable weight loss, with surgical intervention, liver failure, kidney failure. When pregnant.

Indication for insulin use will be directly examined by an endocrinologist and given a treatment order, based on the examination with each specific patient and following the treatment regimen, so insulin injections do not mean every time. disease is already in the advanced stage. To achieve the best treatment results, patients should consult directly with a doctor for detailed advice, avoid excessive anxiety, and at the same time comply with the indications set out by the doctor.

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