Diabetes is a chronic disease that disrupts the ability of an individual’s body to regulate glucose effectively[1]. More specifically, individuals with Type 1 diabetes are incapable of producing adequate insulin to process the glucose that they get from the food, known as “insulin deficiency”. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, are not only incapable of producing sufficient insulin, but also struggle to use insulin efficiently, which is also known as “insulin resistance[2].”
Over time, the reduced amount of insulin produced by the pancreas becomes less effective at keeping glucose levels in check, which causes their blood glucose levels to rise.
Why do you need insulin?
Insulin is a naturally-occurring hormone that aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels and storing excess glucose for energy[2].
Almost all individuals who suffer from diabetes will eventually require an anti-diabetes medication sooner or later. One of the treatment options available for managing an individual’s blood glucose levels is insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes patients, in particular, are advised to incorporate insulin therapy into their treatment plan when their dietary consumption, routine exercise or oral anti-diabetic medication fails to help them achieve optimal glycaemic control.
What are the benefits of insulin therapy?
If left uncontrolled, diabetes can cause life threatening conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS). In the long run, it can cause damage to the vital organs fed by the circulatory system. These organs include the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. Given the circumstances, a doctor will provide individualised glycemic intervention to the diabetic patient and might introduce insulin therapy. It will benefit you in a number of ways, such as:
Reduces a patient’s risk of health complications – To fully understand how insulin can help to lower the risk of other health problems associated with diabetes, it is important for you to know that even a 1% reduction in Haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) can lower the risk of any endpoint related to diabetes, as indicated in the graphic below[3,6].
Improves a patient’s quality of life – Insulin therapy can help to improve daily productivity by promoting increased energy levels – thus improving quality of life. It also helps to relieve the emotional burden carried through the knowledge that they are able to manage their condition independently[4]. Insulin therapy can help to improve the effects of high blood glucose levels, which include fatigue and the need to urinate frequently.
Depending on your treatment, your doctor may prescribe any of the several different types of insulin available[4]:
Mealtime (bolus) insulin – A mealtime insulin (also known as a bolus insulin) is a mealtime insulin that helps to regulate blood glucose levels after a meal. It is usually taken before meals[5].
Basal insulin – A basal insulin, on the other hand, is an insulin that is taken to ensure that blood glucose levels remain constant when an individual is fasting. A basal insulin is usually taken once or twice a day, depending on the type of insulin prescribed to ensure this process takes place[5].
2-in-1 insulin – A 2-in-1 insulin combines the use of both bolus and basal insulins in a single pen for several important reasons. Primarily, it enables individuals to match how their bodies would release insulin normally. It can also help individuals who live busy lifestyles to minimise the frequency of their insulin injections and prevent blood glucose spikes whilst having flexible meal times[5].
Insulin therapy, unlike other oral diabetes medications, can not only help diabetes patients to regulate their blood sugar levels rapidly, but also promote increased energy levels and lower their risk of suffering other health complications. For more information on how advancements in technology have managed to simplify insulin use without compromising the therapy’s efficacy, speak to a healthcare professional today.
Dr. Lim Kim Piow | Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity
Lingkaran SV, Sunway Velocity
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-9772 9191
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