The glucose present in our body comes from the carbohydrates we eat. Glucose stays in and circulates in our bloodstream. It is a necessary element for the energy that keeps our body functions running. Our beta cells in the pancreas [ref] produce the insulin hormone that decides how much of this glucose to keep and how much to spend. Insulin aids the uptake of glucose and amino acids present in the bloodstream to the skeletal muscles. The amino acids are used by the body for functional protein synthesis, while the process of glycolysis utilizes most of the glucose and produces energy in the form of ATP[ref]. When the pancreas can't produce enough insulin, it's Type 1 Diabetes. When the body resists proper usage of insulin, it's Type 2.
Both types stop the cells from accessing their energy sources. The glucose level in the bloodstream goes up, bringing severe consequences.
Manufactured insulin helps gain control over blood sugar levels. Different insulin types and their uses, along with modes of administration, help manage your blood sugar levels with ease. This is further elaborated by Dr. Purvi Chawla, a Consultant Diabetologist from Mumbai in an interview with DocTube, where she explains the importance of insulin in diabetes management.
The Basal and Bolus Types of Insulin Produced Naturally
The pancreas in our body produces insulin in two ways. Basal insulin always stays present in the background, regulating glucose levels between different meals. It doesn't rise or fall with the intake of food. Basal insulin is released 24/7 to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
The Bolus insulin has opposite actions. It springs to action to manage the sudden rises in glucose levels after having food.
The Basal bolus insulin therapy gives supplemental insulin to replace basal and bolus insulin deficiency when the body fails to make them. The basal bolus insulin therapy uses different types of insulin consummables in different combinations for treatment.
The Basal insulin supplement stays active for 24 hours when taken with dinner or before bedtime. It keeps blood sugar level steady. It converts sugar into energy when a person is between meals.
Bolus insulin supplements are more aggressive and powerful in their action., though effects are short lived. It is for people with high blood sugar levels, taken after every meal. It manages the rising blood sugar levels for two to four hours.
Different types of insulin: The Commercial Variants
Before we proceed to the types, we need to know the phases of actions insulin exhibits. There's an onset time for insulin; this is the phase between administering insulin and starting its action after reaching the bloodstream.
This is followed by the peak, the period for the insulin to work with maximum effectiveness. However, the peak phase too wears out over a span and the action of insulin levels out finally. This entire time is called the duration through which the effect of insulin persists. Based on these points, six types of insulin now see commercial production.
The Rapid Acting type is for taking just before meals. These are taken with other longer-acting insulins and on an average, have a 15-minutes onset action. They peak for an hour and their effects die off within 4 hours of their onset.
Regular or Short-acting insulin are taken 30 to 60 minutes before food. They start their action in 30 minutes flat, peak for 2 to 3 hours and holds for a max of 6 hours.
The Intermediate-acting insulin is administered with short-acting and rapid-acting insulins. It boosts insulin for half-a-day or through the night. Takes 2 to 4 hours to kick in, peaks for 4 to 12 hours and the whole episode is 12 to 18 hours long.
The long-acting type covers the whole day. Coupled with rapid and short-acting insulin, they take 2 hours to start but reach no peak. Instead, they carry out evenly for a full 24-hours.
The Ultra-long acting variety sustains insulin steadily for an extended period. Onset is 6 hours, doesn't peak and has a 36-hour duration.
The combination of regular and intermediate-acting insulin or premixed insulin is for people who need both types. It is taken between 30 and 10 minutes before breakfast and dinner and it takes between 5 and 60 minutes to start its action. Peak level is different for individuals, and it can carry on for a maximum of 16 hours.
Types of Insulin-administering Instruments
An insulin syringe is the most common instrument for taking insulin. The marked lines on the syringe indicate the amount of medication you should put in. Besides, there are insulin pens, insulin pumps, jet injections, and inhalers. If you want more details about insulin types and the modes of administering from the best diabetologists, download the free DocTube app.
It’s never too late to start a health revolution. Awareness is the only way by which diabetic patients can be saved from facing any further unnecessary complications.
F.A.Q.
1. What are the main types of insulin?
Insulin has several types, depending on how fast it acts, how long it lasts, and when it peaks. The main types are rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, Long-acting, and ultra-long-acting.
2. How does insulin work in the body?
Insulin helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. It allows glucose to enter the cells for energy or to be stored for future use. Diabetics don't benefit from insulin because their bodies don’t produce enough or fail to use it, leading to high blood sugar levels.
3. Can insulin types be mixed?
Yes, some types of insulin can be mixed together, like a rapid-acting insulin with an intermediate-acting insulin (e.g., Humulin 70/30). This can help provide both quick and longer-lasting control of blood sugar. However, this must be done carefully under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
5. How is insulin administered?
Insulin is typically injected subcutaneously (under the skin) using syringes, insulin pens, or insulin pumps. Some patients may use an insulin infusion pump that delivers a continuous supply of insulin.
6. What are insulin regimens?
An insulin regimen refers to the specific plan for when and how much insulin to take. Common regimens include:
- Basal-bolus regimen: Combines long-acting (basal) insulin with rapid-acting (bolus) insulin before meals.
- Split-mixed regimen: Combines long-acting and intermediate-acting insulins in fixed proportions.
- Continuous insulin infusion: Uses an insulin pump for both basal and bolus needs.
7. Can insulin be taken orally?
No, insulin cannot be taken by mouth because it would be broken down in the digestive system before it could work. It must be injected into the body.
8. Can insulin be used for weight loss?
Insulin is not intended for weight loss. In fact, it can sometimes cause weight gain due to the body storing excess glucose. However, in some cases, controlling blood sugar with insulin may help stabilize appetite.
9. What are "insulin pumps" and how do they work?
Insulin pump are small, wearable and programmable devices that continuously supply a rapid-acting insulin under the skin through a tube . They can be programmed to deliver additional doses of insulin at mealtimes.
10. Is insulin always necessary for managing diabetes?
Not always for ttpe. Lifesrtle changes and oral medications do well at the early stages. For Type 1 and sometimes for advanced Type 2, insulin is often necessary.
Social Plugin