What is Insulin & How Does It Work?

In this blog, we talk about something super important for all you people dealing with diabetes. Insulin, ever heard of it? Diabetes patients and their families not hearing of insulin is nearly a miracle. The insulin hormone acts as a key, unlocking your cells so they can use glucose from your food as fuel.

Without it, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, and we don’t want that. So, whether you’re a type 1 diabetic or dealing with insulin resistance, understanding insulin is crucial. Let’s dive in and break it down in a way that won’t put you to sleep!

What is insulin?

Simply put, Insulin is a hormone secreted from the pancreas that regulates blood sugar. Its function is to signal the body cells to absorb glucose so it can be used as energy.

Diabetes or consistently high blood sugar occurs only due to insulin dysfunction. Either the quantity of insulin produced is irregular, or the body has developed resistance to it.

In both cases, the body fails to make glucose enter the cells from the blood. This increases the level of sugar in the bloodstream, causing the problem of diabetes.

How is insulin produced?

The pancreas, an organ behind the stomach, is responsible for producing insulin. Depending on the existing blood sugar levels at any point in time (e.g., high after eating), the pancreas will generate enough insulin that goes into the bloodstream. This process ensures sugar is always balanced in the blood appropriately.

Why is insulin crucial?

The right amount of insulin helps keep blood sugar levels in check. If the insulin levels are low, blood sugar may increase (hyperglycemia) and vice versa (hypoglycemia). These sugar imbalances can lead to severe health problems like diabetes. Hence suitable insulin production and utilisation is critical for good health.

What happens when insulin production is affected?

If the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or if the body becomes resistant to insulin, blood sugar may increase or decrease to dangerous levels, affecting various organs and body parts. It then becomes essential to get the right treatment. The treatment includes insulin shots or other oral medications to help the body process glucose and prevent complications.

Managing Diabetes with Insulin

When you have diabetes, you may have to take external insulin. In most cases, in type 1 diabetes, it is necessary to take insulin as the body stops producing it naturally.

In type 2 diabetes, it is not necessary to take insulin unless you have high uncontrolled sugar levels. In that case, you will have to depend upon external insulin. External insulin works the same as natural insulin and controls blood sugar levels.

Types of Insulin

Normally, a person produces insulin through the pancreas. But when you are a diabetes patient, there are chances that you have to take insulin externally. Although taken externally, all the insulin types have the same outcome, i.e. to control blood sugar. Never take insulin on your own. The doctor will examine your body and then prescribe the type of insulin if you require it.

According to the Diabetes Education Online website, the type of insulin prescribed depends on various factors:

• Age
• Daily physical activity status
• Time taken by your body to absorb insulin
• Active time duration of the insulin given in the body

Insulin- Administration and Dosage

External insulin can be administered through a syringe, insulin pen or pump. The doctor will be the best person to decide what type of insulin injection you should take. If injecting insulin yourself, you can inject the insulin in different parts of your body like:

• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• The upper part of the arm

Although there are different body parts for insulin injection, according to the Health Alberta website, the abdomen or the belly region is considered the best place for insulin administration. The doctor or the diabetologist will explain to you thoroughly how to administer the insulin on your own. Keep changing the injection spot to avoid the formation of any lumps or fatty deposits.

Insulin Side Effects

Here are some external insulin side effects you should know. When taking insulin, keep in touch with your diabetologist and discuss with them any unusual symptoms you experience.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

– Caused by administering too much insulin relative to the body’s needs.
– Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, hunger, headaches, confusion.
– In extreme cases, it can even progress to unconsciousness or seizures.
– Careful dosing and monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial.

Lipohypertrophy

– Results from repeated insulin injections into the same areas.
– Leads to lumps of fatty tissue buildup under the skin.
– Rotating injection sites is important to prevent this side effect.

Lipoatrophy

– Localized wasting away of fat under the skin at injection sites.
– Less common with modern insulin analogues compared to older insulin types.

Insulin Allergy

– Rare, but can manifest as rashes, swelling, or breathing difficulties after injection.

– Most allergic reactions are related to additives rather than the insulin itself.

– Switching insulin types under medical supervision is recommended if allergy develops.

Weight Gain

– Some weight gain can occur when starting insulin therapy.
– Improved glucose control reverses the harmful effects of uncontrolled high blood sugars.
– Often temporary, and weight may stabilize over time with proper management.

Benefits Outweigh Risks

– While side effects are possible with external insulin therapy.
– The benefits for diabetic patients vastly outweigh the risks.
– Proper education, monitoring, and dosing adjustments can mitigate side effects.

These side effects will help patients like you better understand the potential risks associated with external insulin therapy. Following medical guidance is important for the safe and effective management of diabetes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, insulin is a vital hormone that is intertwined with blood sugar regulation. For individuals with diabetes, external insulin therapy is a necessity to manage their condition effectively. While various types of insulin are available, it’s essential to work closely with your trusted doctor/diabetologist to determine the appropriate dosage and administration method.

By understanding the potential side effects of external insulin, such as hypoglycemia, lipohypertrophy, and allergic reactions, patients can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and optimize their treatment plans. With proper education, monitoring, and adjustments, external insulin therapy can significantly help enhance the quality of life for diabetic patients.Last Updated on August 1, 2019 by Dr. Damanjit Duggal