
How to manage diabetes with basal-bolus insulin therapy
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body produces and uses insulin. Basal-bolus insulin therapy is a way of managing this condition.
In type 1 diabetes, the production of insulin is affected. In type 2 diabetes, both the production and use of insulin are affected.
In people without diabetes, insulin is produced by the pancreas to keep the body's blood sugar levels under control throughout the day.
The pancreas produces enough insulin, whether the body is active, resting, eating, sick, or sleeping. This allows people without diabetes to eat food at any time of the day, without their blood sugar levels changing dramatically.
For people with diabetes, this doesn't happen. However, a similar level of blood sugar control can be achieved by injecting insulin.
Injections can be used throughout the day to mimic the two types of insulin: basal and bolus. People without diabetes produce these throughout the day and at mealtimes, respectively.
What is a basal-bolus insulin regimen?
A basal-bolus insulin regimen involves a person with diabetes taking both basal and bolus insulin throughout the day.
It offers them a way to control their blood sugar levels. It helps achieve levels similar to a person without diabetes.
Advantages
There are several advantages to using a basal-bolus insulin regimen. These include:
flexibility as to when to have meals
control of blood sugar levels overnight
they are helpful for people who do shift work
they are helpful if travelling across different time zones
Disadvantages
The downsides to a basal-bolus regimen are that:
people may need to take u
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