What Is Insulin And Why Do Some Diabetics Need To Take It?
Question: What is insulin and why do some diabetics need to take it? Answer: Insulin is a hormone. It's made by certain cells in the pancreas, which are called the beta cells of the pancreas, and the beta cells from the pancreas are part of these little islets called the Islets of Langerhans. That's where insulin normally comes from, and in type 2 diabetes there is always some insulin coming out from those beta cells; in type 1 diabetes, you tend to lose the beta cells and make no insulin. Since 1921 or so, though, insulin has been available as a pharmacologic approach, so you can take insulin by injection, and you can replace what's not being made in the pancreas. Who needs insulin? Well, it really is two situations. First of all, in type 1 diabetes, insulin is always necessary because the beta cells in the pancreas are not making any insulin. So, people with type 1 or juvenile onset diabetes always need insulin injections. In type 2 diabetes, you may also need insulin if your pancreas has sort of worn out to the point that it's not making anywhere near enough insulin, and you do need insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes often can be treated by different pills that might improve the insulin release by the pancreas or improve the response of the body to insulin, but eventually even type 2 diabetes may simply not be making, the pancreas may not be making enough insulin, and the person may need insulin by injection. Next: What Causes Diabetes? Previous: What Is Gestational Diabetes And Can It Hurt My Baby? Continue reading >>
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. We do not know what causes this auto-immune reaction. Type 1 diabetes is not linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. There is no cure and it cannot be prevented. Type 1 diabetes: Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin Represents around 10% of all cases of diabetes and is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions Onset is usually abrupt and the symptoms obvious Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue and blurred vision Is managed with insulin injections several times a day or the use of an insulin pump. What happens to the pancreas? In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach, stops making insulin because the cells that make the insulin have been destroyed by the body’s immune system. Without insulin, the body’s cells cannot turn glucose (sugar), into energy. People with type 1 diabetes depend on insulin every day of their lives to replace the insulin the body cannot produce. They must test their blood glucose levels several times throughout the day. The onset of type 1 diabetes occurs most frequently in people under 30 years, however new research suggests almost half of all people who develop the condition are diagnosed over the age of 30. About 10-15% of all cases of diabetes are type 1. What happens if people with type 1 diabetes don’t receive insulin? Without insulin the body burns its own fats as a substitute which releases chemical substances in the blood. Without ongoing injections of insulin, the dangerous chemical substances will accumulate and can be life threatening if it is not treated. This is a condition call Continue reading >>
Diabetes Management
The term diabetes includes several different metabolic disorders that all, if left untreated, result in abnormally high concentration of a sugar called glucose in the blood. Diabetes mellitus type 1 results when the pancreas no longer produces significant amounts of the hormone insulin, usually owing to the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Diabetes mellitus type 2, in contrast, is now thought to result from autoimmune attacks on the pancreas and/or insulin resistance. The pancreas of a person with type 2 diabetes may be producing normal or even abnormally large amounts of insulin. Other forms of diabetes mellitus, such as the various forms of maturity onset diabetes of the young, may represent some combination of insufficient insulin production and insulin resistance. Some degree of insulin resistance may also be present in a person with type 1 diabetes. The main goal of diabetes management is, as far as possible, to restore carbohydrate metabolism to a normal state. To achieve this goal, individuals with an absolute deficiency of insulin require insulin replacement therapy, which is given through injections or an insulin pump. Insulin resistance, in contrast, can be corrected by dietary modifications and exercise. Other goals of diabetes management are to prevent or treat the many complications that can result from the disease itself and from its treatment. Overview[edit] Goals[edit] The treatment goals are related to effective control of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipids, to minimize the risk of long-term consequences associated with diabetes. They are suggested in clinical practice guidelines released by various national and international diabetes agencies. The targets are: HbA1c of 6%[1] to 7.0%[2] Preprandial blood Continue reading >>
Treating Diabetes Mellitus In Dogs
Goals of Treating Diabetes in Dogs Once a veterinarian confirms that a dog has diabetes mellitus, she will establish a personalized treatment plan. The primary goals of treatment are to reduce or eliminate symptoms of the disease and return the dog to a happy, comfortable and active state. In most cases, the course of treatment will involve daily insulin therapy and strict dietary management. Treatment Options for Diabetes in Dogs If a diabetic dog presents in very serious condition, such as with profound dehydration, weakness and shock, it will be admitted to the hospital and probably started immediately on intravenous fluids to restore fluid and electrolyte balance. Once the dog is stabilized, dietary modification will become important to prevent or correct the obesity that often is associated with early diabetes mellitus, as well as to stabilize blood glucose levels. Diets must be customized to each patient, but in general diabetic dogs should be fed a diet high in fiber to help reduce the rate of glucose absorption from food into the blood. A diet high in soluble and insoluble fiber, including complex carbohydrates, slows down absorption of food particles and facilitates management of the blood sugar peaks and troughs that accompany diabetes mellitus. Dogs with diabetes should be fed multiple small meals rather than a single large meal daily. One of those small meals should be fed at the time of each insulin injection. Most experts recommend that semi-moist packaged foods be avoided, because many of them contain ingredients that can exacerbate hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). If appropriate, owners should start a daily exercise regimen for diabetic dogs, after discussing this with their veterinarian. Insulin therapy is the mainstay of treating Type 1 diabetes mel Continue reading >>
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- Diabetes in Dogs (Diabetes Mellitus)
Identifying And Addressing Barriers To Insulin Acceptance And Adherence In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Progressive hyperglycemia is a characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that poses a challenge to maintaining optimal glycemic control. Achieving glycemic control early in the course of disease can minimize or prevent serious complications. Most patients with T2DM eventually require insulin replacement therapy to attain and preserve satisfactory glucose control. For decades, the use of insulin to address the primary defect of T2DM has been a cornerstone of diabetes therapy. Insulin is indicated for patients with T2DM presenting with clinically significant hyperglycemia, and it is mandatory for patients exhibiting signs of catabolism. Insulin should be considered for patients in whom hyperglycemia persists despite attempts to control the condition through diet and exercise modifications and the use of noninsulin therapies. Many physicians delay initiation of insulin until absolutely necessary, sometimes overestimating patient concerns about its use. Modern insulin analogs, treatment regimens, and delivery devices make insulin more user friendly, and physicians can promote patient acceptance of insulin by reviewing the benefits of controlled glycated hemoglobin levels and addressing patient concerns. Approximately 26 million Americans were living with diabetes in 2010.1 Data from a 2012 report2 indicated a substantial increase in the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes mellitus throughout the 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico during a 16-year period (1995-2010), with the age-adjusted prevalence increasing by more than 50% in most states and by 100% or greater in 18 states. Figure 13 shows the areas of the United States that had the highest concentrations of diagnosed diabetes in 2009, whereas Figure 2 presents the lifetime risks of developing diabetes.4 In Continue reading >>
What Is A Diabetic Seizure? Know The Signs And Symptoms
As people with diabetes, we should all be very familiar with hypoglycemia but for those who are not, what is hypoglycemia and how can it effect us? Hypoglycemia is the clinical syndrome that results from low blood sugar. The symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person, as can the severity as I’ve personally dealt with in the past when my severe low was accompanied with a seizure. This was the first time this as ever happened to me since being diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic over 10 years ago now. While I don’t remember the seizure itself, let’s just say we made it a memorable experience for the community as it happened at my sons fall soccer tournament. So what is a hypoglycemic seizure and what are the warning signs of having a seizure? Let’s take a closer look! What Is a Hypoglycemic Seizure So what causes a seizure? A hypoglycemic seizure may be triggered by injecting too much insulin, or failing to eat soon enough after using a fast acting insulin (exactly what happened to me); excessive use of alcohol, skipping meals, or exercising vigorously without adjusting insulin dosages or eating properly. A seizure may also be triggered by oral diabetes medications that cause the pancreas to produce more insulin. Whatever the cause of the seizure, it needs to be treated as a medical emergency. To identify the onset of a hypoglycemic seizure, look for the following warning signs of seizures and symptoms: Sweating Confusion Feeling faint or too sleepy Feeling cold or clammy Hallucinations Unexplained emotional behaviors Uncontrollable crying Unaware of surroundings Changes in vision Loss of ability to speak clearly Loss of muscle control Muscle weakness Anxiety So what happens during a seizure? If a diabetic seizure is untreated you may become unconscious, f Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Tuberculosis: A Review Of The Role Of Optimal Glycemic Control
Go to: Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. For several decades, the research community has been working for an effective preventive strategy for TB. It is clear that although the current preventive efforts against the spread of TB have lowered its incidence, the problem is far from over. Therefore the focus of research has now shifted to the previously untargeted risk factors involved in the spread of TB. One such factor is diabetes mellitus (DM). It is well known that DM impairs the immunity of patients and therefore is an independent risk factor for infections such as TB. Reports on the association between DM and TB date back to 1000 A.D.; when Avicenna noted that ‘phthisis’, (Greek: tuberculosis), often complicated diabetes and that the presence of diabetes resulted in an increased risk of developing TB [1]. Another description is seen in the works of Yugimahamuni, a traditional Indian saint. He described the association of DM and TB by a combination of symptoms called ‘meganoikal’. These symptoms included obesity, glycosuria, thirst, incontinence, respiratory symptoms and unconsciousness [2]. Each disease is thought to exacerbate and worsen the outcome for the other. TB is a specific morbidity often associated with DM and is therefore aptly described as a complication of DM [3]. People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections and suffer from relatively severe illness due to their immuno-compromised status [4], with reactivation of older foci of TB rather than through fresh contact [5], and often exhibit lower lobe involvement more commonly than in non-diabetics. Various studies have shown that 5-30% of patients with TB have DM as well [6]. Diabetes as a risk factor for tuberculosis The incidence of Continue reading >>
- The effect of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet versus a low-glycemic index diet on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Association of Glycemic Variability in Type 1 Diabetes With Progression of Microvascular Outcomes in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial
- Early Glycemic Control and Magnitude of HbA1c Reduction Predict Cardiovascular Events and Mortality: Population-Based Cohort Study of 24,752 Metformin Initiators
New Diabetes Treatment Could Eliminate Need For Insulin Injections
A cell-based diabetes treatment has been developed by scientists who say it could eliminate the need for those with the condition to inject insulin. The therapy involves a capsule of genetically engineered cells implanted under the skin that automatically release insulin as required. Diabetic mice that were treated with the cells were found to have normal blood sugar levels for several weeks. Scientists said they hope to obtain a clinical trial licence to test the technology in patients within two years. If successful, the treatment would be relevant for all type 1 diabetes patients, as well as those cases of type 2 diabetes that require insulin injections. Martin Fussenegger, who led the research at the ETH university in Basel, said: “By 2040, every tenth human on the planet will suffer from some kind of diabetes, that’s dramatic. We should be able to do a lot better than people measuring their glucose.” Fussenegger said that, if confirmed as safe and effective in humans, diabetes patients could be given an implant that would need to be replaced three times a year rather than injections, which do not perfectly control blood sugar levels, leading to long-term complications including eye, nerve and heart damage. In Britain, about 400,000 people have type 1 diabetes and three million have type 2 diabetes, about 10% of whom need to inject insulin to control the condition. Type 1 diabetes normally begins in childhood and is an autoimmune disease in which the body kills off all its pancreatic beta cells. The cells respond to the body’s fluctuating glucose levels by releasing insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Without beta cells, patients need to monitor glucose and inject insulin as required – typically several times each day. Previously, scientists have attempt Continue reading >>
- New diabetes treatment could eliminate need for insulin injections
- Relative effectiveness of insulin pump treatment over multiple daily injections and structured education during flexible intensive insulin treatment for type 1 diabetes: cluster randomised trial (REPOSE)
- Radical 'hot water bottle' treatment for diabetes could end to insulin injections
New Type-2 Diabetes Therapy Proves Better Than Traditional Insulin Injections
More than two-thirds of all type-2 diabetes patients do not achieve good control of their disease with the first-line medication metformin combined with second-line insulin shots. For the first time, a global research effort led by John Buse, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the UNC School of Medicine and director of the UNC Diabetes Care Center, determined the efficacy of an alternative called IDegLira, which combines the basal insulin degludec (brand name Tresiba) and a drug called liraglutide (Victoza), a diabetes medication that activates GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas to stimulate insulin production. Published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the researchers show that IDegLira injections were more effective than basal insulin glargine (Lantus) injections at reducing the average amount of blood sugar over the course of several months. The combination therapy was also associated with weight loss and a substantially lower rate of hypoglycemia – low blood sugar – compared with insulin glargine. “It’s quite remarkable that IDegLira can achieve such excellent control of diabetes in the toughest group of patients we treat.” “It’s quite remarkable that IDegLira can achieve such excellent control of diabetes in the toughest group of patients we treat,” said Buse, senior author and division chief of endocrinology at UNC. “Without a doubt, if I were a diabetes patient, I’d consult with my doctor about using IDegLira instead of basal insulin.” The UNC group collaborated with 75 diabetes treatment centers in 10 countries from September 2013 to November 2014 to enroll 557 patients with type-2 diabetes that had been uncontrolled with insulin glargine (20-50 units) and metformin (at least 1500 mg per day). The researchers ran Continue reading >>
- NIHR Signal Insulin pumps not much better than multiple injections for intensive control of type 1 diabetes
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Correlates Of Insulin Injection Omission
Abstract OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess factors associated with patient frequency of intentionally skipping insulin injections. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data were obtained through an Internet survey of 502 U.S. adults self-identified as taking insulin by injection to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Multiple regression analysis assessed independent associations of various demographic, disease, and injection-specific factors with insulin omission. RESULTS Intentional insulin omission was reported by more than half of respondents; regular omission was reported by 20%. Significant independent risk factors for insulin omission were younger age, lower income and higher education, type 2 diabetes, not following a healthy diet, taking more daily injections, interference of injections with daily activities, and injection pain and embarrassment. Risk factors differed between type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, with diet nonadherence more prominent in type 1 diabetes and age, education, income, pain, and embarrassment more prominent in type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Whereas most patients did not report regular intentional omission of insulin injections, a substantial number did. Our findings suggest that it is important to identify patients who intentionally omit insulin and be aware of the potential risk factors identified here. For patients who report injection-related problems (interference with daily activities, injection pain, and embarrassment), providers should consider recommending strategies and tools for addressing these problems to increase adherence to prescribed insulin regimens. This could improve clinical outcomes. More than 25% of people with diabetes take insulin (1). The American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Stud Continue reading >>
2.1.1 What Is Diabetes?
2.1.1 What is Diabetes? A glucose tolerance test is a lab test to check how the person/patients body breaks down sugar. For this test the patient has to drink a liquid containing a certain amount of glucose. Then their blood will be taken again every 0, 30,60,90, and 120 minutes after they drink the solution. The purpose of the Insulin test is to monitor the amount of insulin produced by the person. The test determines if the person is producing a specific amount of insulin or not. For example, Anna didn't produce any insulin so, her insulin levels were at 0 the whole 2 hours. We are testing Patient A, Patient B, and Anna Garcia for diabetes. We are testing their insulin and glucose levels. For Patient A she was overweight and her symptoms included excessive thirst and occasional unexplained mood swings. Though she exercise 1-2 times a week because of her job and eats a lot of reheated food that is loaded in sodium. However, she claims to eat a good amount of fruits and vegetables each day and her routine urinalysis was normal. Patient B's symptoms included an increase in thirst and urination but he says he feels fine. Though , he takes medication for both elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol, he doesn't participate in any formalized exercise, and he eats a lot of heavy foods. Plus, they found ketones in his urine. Patient A and Patient B have the risk factors of being overweight and Patient B has the risk factor of diabetes in his genetics because his uncle and grandmother both had diabetes. Data Tables: Conclusion Questions: 1.) Describe how Glucose Tolerance testing can be used to diagnose diabetes. Glucose Tolerance testing can be used to diagnose diabetes by determining how much glucose is in your blood. This is used because when you have any type of diabet Continue reading >>
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Facts About Insulin Treatment
Insulin is an essential hormone. Without it, the body cannot control or properly use glucose (sugar) – one of its main energy supplying fuels. How does insulin help diabetes? People with type 1 diabetes produce inadequate amounts of insulin, so insulin replacement is their key treatment. Without adequate insulin replacement, people with type 1 diabetes will see their blood sugar levels rise and the body will start to burn up its fat stores. In a few days this leads to a condition called diabetic acidosis, which is life threatening. Too much insulin, on the other hand, leads to such low levels of blood sugar that it causes a condition called hypoglycaemia. The symptoms include paleness, shaking, shivering, perspiration, rapid heartbeat, hunger, anxiety and blurred vision. In some cases it can cause loss of consciousness (hypoglycaemic coma) and convulsions. In type 2 diabetes the problem is not a lack of insulin output, but increasing resistance of your cells to the effects of insulin. In the early years, the body compensates for this insulin resistance by increasing the output of insulin from the pancreas gland. Ultimately, the pancreas becomes unable to cope. About 30 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes eventually need treatment with insulin. The longer a person has type 2 diabetes, the more likely they will have to start insulin treatment at some point. There are four main kinds of injectable insulin. The type of insulin you use will depend on your individual needs and lifestyle. Rapid-acting insulin analogues start working within 10 or 15 minutes and last between 2 to 4 hours. Examples are insulin aspart, insulin aspart and insulin glulisine. Short-acting insulin, eg Actrapid: soluble insulin starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts six to eight hours. Continue reading >>
- Relative effectiveness of insulin pump treatment over multiple daily injections and structured education during flexible intensive insulin treatment for type 1 diabetes: cluster randomised trial (REPOSE)
- How to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally, The Dangers of Insulin Therapy, and Other Facts
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Address Correspondence To:
Frank Petrak, PhD,1 Stephan Herpertz, MD,1 Elmar Stridde, MD,2 and Andreas Pfützner, MD3 Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie Ruhr-Universität BochumGermany E-mail: [email protected] Background: “Psychological insulin resistance” (PIR) is an obstacle to insulin treatment in type 2 diabetes, and patients' expectations regarding alternative ways of insulin delivery are poorly understood. Subjects and Methods: PIR and beliefs regarding treatment alternatives were analyzed in patients with type 2 diabetes (n=532; mean glycated hemoglobin, 68±12 mmol/mol [8.34±1.5%]) comparing oral antidiabetes treatment, subcutaneous insulin injections, or inhaled insulin. Questionnaires were used to assess barriers to insulin treatment (BIT), generic and diabetes-specific quality of life (Short Form 36 and Problem Areas in Diabetes, German version), diabetes knowledge, locus of control (Questionnaire for the Assessment of Diabetes-Specific Locus of Control, in German), coping styles (Freiburg Questionnaire of Illness Coping, 15-Items Short Form), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, German version), and mental disorders (Patient Health Questionnaire, German version). Patients discussed treatment optimization options with a physician and were asked to make a choice about future diabetes therapy options in a two-step treatment choice scenario. Step 1 included oral antidiabetes drugs or subcutaneous insulin injection (SCI). Step 2 included an additional treatment alternative of inhaled insulin (INH). Subgroups were analyzed according to their treatment choice. Results: Most patients perceived their own diabetes-related behavior as active, problem-focused, internally controlled, and oriented toward their doctors' recommendations, although their diabetes kn Continue reading >>
Insulin Regular Human Solution
Uses Insulin regular is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. This man-made insulin product is the same as human insulin. It replaces the insulin that your body would normally make. It is a short-acting insulin. It works by helping blood sugar (glucose) get into cells so your body can use it for energy. This medication is usually used in combination with a medium- or long-acting insulin product. This medication may also be used alone or with other oral diabetes drugs (such as metformin). How to use Insulin Regular Human Solution Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist. Learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the insulin. Insulin regular should be clear and colorless. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin and to avoid developing problems under the skin (lipodystrophy). Insulin regular may be injected in the stomach area, the thigh, the buttocks, or the back of the upper arm. Do not inject into a vein or muscle because very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may occur. Do not rub the area after the injection. Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen, or itchy. Do Continue reading >>
Diabetes Treatment: Using Insulin To Manage Blood Sugar
Understanding how insulin affects your blood sugar can help you better manage your condition. Insulin therapy is often an important part of diabetes treatment. Understand the key role insulin plays in managing your blood sugar, and the goals of insulin therapy. What you learn can help you prevent diabetes complications. The role of insulin in the body It may be easier to understand the importance of insulin therapy if you understand how insulin normally works in the body and what happens when you have diabetes. Regulate sugar in your bloodstream. The main job of insulin is to keep the level of glucose in the bloodstream within a normal range. After you eat, carbohydrates break down into glucose, a sugar that serves as a primary source of energy, and enters the bloodstream. Normally, the pancreas responds by producing insulin, which allows glucose to enter the tissues. Storage of excess glucose for energy. After you eat — when insulin levels are high — excess glucose is stored in the liver in the form of glycogen. Between meals — when insulin levels are low — the liver releases glycogen into the bloodstream in the form of glucose. This keeps blood sugar levels within a narrow range. If your pancreas secretes little or no insulin (type 1 diabetes), or your body doesn't produce enough insulin or has become resistant to insulin's action (type 2 diabetes), the level of glucose in your bloodstream increases because it's unable to enter cells. Left untreated, high blood glucose can lead to complications such as blindness, nerve damage (neuropathy) and kidney damage. The goals of insulin therapy If you have type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy replaces the insulin your body is unable to produce. Insulin therapy is sometimes needed for type 2 diabetes and gestational diabete Continue reading >>
