Methods for Combining and Administering Insulin through Injections
In this article, we will delve into the essentials of insulin injections for individuals with diabetes, providing a clear and straightforward guide to help manage blood sugar levels effectively.
First and foremost, it is crucial to remember that a needle or syringe should never be used more than once. To inject insulin, a person requires an injection kit containing a syringe with a needle, alcohol swabs, and a sharps container.
Insulin is a hormone used to treat diabetes, which is produced by the pancreas to help cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Premixed insulin is a pre-prepared mixture of different insulins, generally containing 70-75% intermediate-acting insulin and 25-30% short- or rapid-acting insulin. Mixing insulin can help control blood sugar in certain people with diabetes.
Self-mixing insulins (usually a mixture of rapid-acting and intermediate or long-acting insulins) allow a person to adjust the levels of different types of insulin they receive. Dosing commonly starts around 0.5 to 1 unit per kg of body weight per day, which is then individualized by monitoring blood glucose levels, carbohydrate intake, and response to therapy.
To determine the dose of each insulin type in a mixture, the basal insulin (long-acting) is often calculated as about 50% of the total daily insulin dose and adjusted to maintain fasting glucose levels. The bolus insulin (rapid-acting) is calculated based on carbohydrate intake and pre/post-meal blood sugars—approximately 0.3 to 0.5 units/kg of body weight per day, divided among meals, or as a fixed percentage in premixed insulins, e.g., 30% rapid-acting, 70% basal insulin in Ryzodeg® 70/30.
A typical calculation of the total daily insulin requirement is weight (lb) ÷ 4 or roughly 0.5 to 1 unit/kg/day, split about half basal and half bolus depending on the regimen. A 100 kg patient switching to premixed 70/30 insulin might take 50 units total (0.5 units/kg), with 35 units basal and 15 units rapid insulin (30% of total) given with the largest meal, adjusted by glucose monitoring.
When converting from a basal-bolus regimen to premixed insulin, reduce basal insulin dose proportionally, usually to 0.5 units/kg/day, then adjust rapid-acting component as needed based on meal size and glucose measurements. Dosing adjustments are guided by blood sugar monitoring both before and 2–3 hours after meals, with increments or decrements of 2 units or 10% of the dose depending on glucose targets.
It is essential to store insulin in a refrigerator, but it may want to let the insulin warm up at room temperature before injecting it. A person should not use insulin that has passed its expiry date. Before injecting, insulin should be checked for expiration, clumps, and temperature.
To inject insulin, wash the hands, clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe, tap the syringe to remove air bubbles without allowing the needle to touch anything, insert the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle, being careful to avoid the muscle, draw out the required amount of clear insulin first, then draw out the required amount of cloudy insulin, insert the needle into the skin at the injection site, let go of the skin and push down the plunger smoothly, and remove the needle at the same angle as the angle of insertion.
If there is a small amount of insulin leak or blood at the injection site, press down on the area using a cotton ball or wipe. If swelling develops repeatedly at the injection site, consult a healthcare professional.
Different types of insulin may require different storage instructions. A person should discuss storage instructions with a healthcare professional. Premixed insulin is a convenient solution for those who find it difficult to measure and draw up the insulin themselves or have variable eating and exercise patterns.
It is essential to remember that the exact mix and dosage must be individualized and titrated regularly under medical supervision, considering factors such as weight, insulin sensitivity, meal size, and glucose self-monitoring results. Patients are advised to adjust doses slowly and monitor for hypoglycemia.
Several resources can help a person who is struggling to afford treatment for their diabetes, including getinsulin.org, insulinhelp.org, and jdrf.org. Hyperglycemia (high levels of blood sugar) can be life-threatening without treatment.
In conclusion, insulin injections are an essential part of diabetes management, and understanding the basics of insulin types, dosing, and injection techniques is crucial for maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Always follow healthcare provider instructions and use glucose monitoring for dose adjustments.
- Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is used for treating diabetes, a medical-condition that requires cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream effectively.
- Premixed insulin, a pre-prepared mixture of different insulins, can help control blood sugar in certain people with diabetes, especially when self-mixing insulins are used.
- To maintain fasting glucose levels, the basal insulin (long-acting) is often calculated as about 50% of the total daily insulin dose.
- Before injecting, insulin should be checked for expiration, clumps, and temperature, and insulin that has passed its expiry date should not be used.
- To inject insulin, wash hands, clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe, insert the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle, draw out the required amount of clear insulin first, then draw out the required amount of cloudy insulin, and inject the mixture smoothly.
- Different types of insulin may require different storage instructions. Premixed insulin is a convenient solution for those who find it difficult to measure and draw up the insulin themselves or have variable eating and exercise patterns.
- Chronic diseases such as type-2-diabetes, COPD, and even chronic-kidney-disease can be managed effectively with the right therapies and treatments, proper nutrition, fitness and exercise, and self-care practices, with regular medical supervision and glucose monitoring.
