Insulin is a hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism. It is responsible for converting food carbohydrate energy into energy for the body. Insufficient production of this hormone interferes with the utilization of glucose and raises blood sugar levels – which can be dangerous to health.
If the body’s insulin metabolism is impaired (usually associated with diabetes), a person requires regular injections of a synthetic version of the hormone. How to inject insulin correctly – before or after a meal – and where is it better to do it?
Why inject insulin?
Although diabetes mellitus has been known to mankind for over a thousand years, researchers only clarified the mechanism of how insulin works in the 1920s. They deciphered the structure of its molecule in 1954, and the commercial production of insulin for injection commenced in the 1980s.
After eating carbohydrate foods, blood sugar levels rise – which serves as a signal for the pancreas to start producing insulin. It enters the bloodstream and attaches to the cells – in fact, ensuring the penetration of glucose inside.
In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce enough insulin, requiring injections. While type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body’s excessive production of insulin and a decrease in its action potential. In such cases, the administration of synthetic insulin is also required.
Is it possible to drink it in tablets?
Diabetes is one of the most common (and dangerous) diseases, and insulin is the most researched hormone. As noted above, injectable insulin appeared in the 1980s, and active work is currently underway to produce the hormone in tablets.
However, the difficulty lies in the fact that insulin is a protein hormone. If it enters the stomach, the digestion process will destroy it. Despite this, leading pharmaceutical companies are testing various methods of delivering insulin to the body, including pills.
Insulin Delivery Methods
The traditional method of delivering insulin to the body is injections with a syringe. Syringes differ in the amount of insulin they contain and the size of the needle. They are made of plastic and users must discard them after each use.
The pen-shaped syringe is a new way to administer the hormone. This method is considered simpler and more practical. Before injecting, the user must purge the syringe pen to ensure an unobstructed flow of the drug for injection – a drop should be visible at the tip of the needle.
Measure the required dose of insulin, then insert the needle into the skin – holding the syringe handle vertically, not at an angle. Press the injection button, slowly count to 10, then remove the device from the skin.
Where is the right place to inject?
Patients inject insulin subcutaneously, more precisely, into the layer of fat under the skin. It is for this reason that the injection needle is available in a short form. Injecting insulin intramuscularly leads to rapid absorption by the body, resulting in insufficient time for it to act on blood sugar levels. Additionally, such an injection is more painful.
If you need multiple insulin injections per day, it is recommended to inject it in different places to avoid lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy is a condition characterized by a disruption of the density of fatty tissue and the development of irregularities and lumps.
1. Belly
The abdomen is considered the best place to inject insulin as it allows for rapid absorption into the blood. Choose a spot between the bottom of the ribs and the pubic area, avoiding the 2 cm area around the navel.
2. Hips
Another good place to inject insulin is the upper outer thigh, about 10 cm below the top of the thighs and 10 cm above the knee.
3. Shoulder
When injecting insulin into the upper arm, avoid areas around scars, moles, or skin blemishes, which can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb insulin.
4. Buttocks
Note that it is quite difficult to inject insulin into the buttock on your own. It is also recommended to avoid the lower, upper, and central zone.
Step-by-step instruction
First of all, before you inject insulin, make sure it has the correct expiration date. If it has been stored in the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature. If the vial is cloudy, shake the contents gently.
- Prepare instruments for injection . In the case of using a conventional syringe, you will need the syringe itself, a needle, a cotton swab, and rubbing alcohol. Thoroughly wash hands with soap.
- Clear the injection site . Using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, wipe the injection site with insulin.
- Measure your insulin dose . Measure the amount of insulin you need.
- Take a fold of skin . Gently squeeze the skin and fat between your thumb and forefinger. This will prevent injection into the muscle.
- Insert the needle into the skin. Make sure that the syringe is perpendicular to the skin, and the angle of insertion does not change. Fully insert the needle into the skin and then inject.
- Press down on the injection site with your hand . After you finish the injection, lightly press this point with your hand for 5-10 seconds – but in no case rub the injection site and do not make circular movements.
When to inject insulin – before or after a meal?
Insulin use varies from person to person depending on blood glucose levels, physical activity levels, and the severity of diabetes. Some people need three injections a day, others only one. Obtain dose recommendations from your doctor for the best advice.
The doctor will also advise which insulin to use – there are several types:
- Fast-acting – begins to work approximately 15 minutes after injection, and activity lasts from three to four hours. Usually, people inject it before eating.
- Short-acting – People also administer this insulin before meals. It starts working 30 to 60 minutes after injection and works for five to eight hours.
- Intermediate action – begins to act 1-2 hours after injection; activity can last from 14 to 16 hours.
- Long-term action – manifests itself in the blood two hours after administration, and the action can last up to 24 hours or more.
Side effects
Injecting too much insulin can lead to hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar), and a similar effect can also occur when a person is actively engaged in sports or reduces the amount of carbohydrates consumed.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include fatigue, pale skin, difficulty concentrating (up to loss of consciousness), increased sweating, convulsions, and spasms. Diabetics are advised to always carry 15 g of simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, with them to stop the action of an insulin injection.
Insulin injections are a way to control blood sugar levels in diabetes. It is important to determine the required dose and type of insulin in consultation with your doctor. He will also tell you when it is better to inject a synthetic hormone – before or after a meal.