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Insulin |
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Insulin is a prescription medication that is used in diabetes patient’s mellitus patients. It is usually given to individuals that show no improvement by changing their diet habits and taking other medications used to lower blood sugar. This hormone is produced by a large gland located near the stomach, known as the pancreas. This hormone plays an important role and is necessary for a body’s proper use of food and especially sugar. In individuals with diabetes, a body isn’t producing enough Insulin and isn’t used properly. The two forms of diabetes are Type 1 which is insulin-dependent and Type 2 (non-insulin dependent). People with Type 1 diabetes are required to use insulin injection for life while Type 2 diabetes is treated with changes in your diet or other medications related to treating diabetes like Glucotrol or Diabinese. Patients with type 2 diabetes usually take insulin injections temporarily, especially at times of stress and illness. These insulin brands are different in their own ways. Regular insulin is manufactured using the pancreas from pork or beef and starts to work within 30-60 minutes, lasting 6 to 8 hours. There have been different variations of insulin created in order to satisfy different types of individuals. Such insulin as, zinc suspension is intermediate-acting which goes in effect within 1 to 1.5 hours, lasting 24 hours. When zinc and insulin are combined with protamine, it becomes a longer acting insulin taking effect within 4-6 hours lasting up to 36 hours. Animal based insulin is considered a safe product. Some components however, may result in an allergic reaction. Genetically engineered human insulin was developed to reduce a chance of allergic reaction and is identical structure-wise to the insulin produced by an individual’s pancreas. However, certain human insulin also may be produced in a semi synthetic process which starts with animal based ingredients which could result in an allergic reaction. You should always follow your dietary and exercise routines that your doctor recommends regardless of the type of insulin that was prescribed to you. If you fail to follow the guidelines, it may result in potentially threatening complications like hypoglycemia (when blood sugar level is lowered). You should store Insulin in a refrigerator but keep it away from a freezer and keep away from heat or sunlight. Common insulin side effects may be allergic reactions or low blood sugar even though these are rare in individuals. If you consume sugar containing products it will correct the low blood sugar levels. Some of the common symptoms of low blood sugar include: anxiety, drowsiness, confusion, abnormal behavior, and nausea. You should contact your doctor if any of these symptoms persist. Some of the more serious side effects that can occur in individuals with low blood sugar include coma and disorientation. Some precautions to take if you have diabetes is to wear an ID stating that you are a diabetic at all times and carry a sugar based product like candy in case of symptoms of low blood sugar. Your doctor will let you know which insulin to use and how often the injection should be administered.
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| Category |
Drugs and Medicine > I
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| Related Searches |
types of insulin, insulin injection, insulin dependent diabetes |
| Date Submitted |
13-Aug-2005
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