Do you have a family member or loved one that has been diagnosed as diabetic, and you are having a hard time understanding the insulin treatments? There are a few basic things you can learn to help them with their condition, and to make sure they are safe if there is an emergency and they are with you.

Not all insulin is the same, and not all diabetics have the same symptoms when the need an insulin injection. You should never inject someone without permission or knowing exactly what they need. It's also best to test levels before an injection. Here are a few things to know, if you are trying to understand what is going on.

How Insulin Works

If the person is talking about onset time, they are describing the amount of time it takes for the insulin to start working after it has been entered into the body. After it's injected it will reach its "peak," meaning the time when it is the most effective at regulating the glucose levels. The amount of time the insulin works after it's been injected to control glucose levels is called the duration of the injection. Knowing these things can help you understand what stage the person is at after they do an injection.

Types of Insulin

If the patient is using a fast-acting insulin before they eat a meal, they are using an injection that is going to start working within 15 minutes, and it will peak within the hour. Slow-acting has longer results, but won't start working until about a half hour after the injection. This can last up to 2-3 hours.

The intermediate insulin can last for up to 12 hours, and a protamine protein is added to extend the effectiveness. Long-lasting insulin can provide around the clock regulation for 24 hours, and it works to maintain the glucose levels without a peak.

It can be hard to understand the treatment of someone who is suffering from diabetes. Planning out meals in advance, giving them time to take their insulin before they have a meal, and helping them make good diet choices will be beneficial for their health and their treatment. Understanding what type of insulin they are using can help you understand how long it's going to take them to feel well, and how long they are going to be able to go without needing another injection. Contact Diabetes Health for more information.

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