It is not safe for one pen to be used for more than one person. Sharing needles or pens can result in transmission of hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other blood-borne illnesses. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks of insulin treatment. In case of emergency—There may be a time when you need emergency help for a problem caused by your diabetes.
You need to be prepared for these emergencies. It is a good idea to:. Too much insulin can cause low blood sugar also called hypoglycemia or insulin reaction. Symptoms of low blood sugar must be treated before they lead to unconsciousness passing out. Different people may feel different symptoms of low blood sugar.
It is important that you learn what symptoms of low blood sugar you usually have so that you can treat it quickly. When you have hypoglycemia, you may feel cranky, more tired than usual, confused and shaky, and you may sweat more. You may get a headache, have a rapid heartbeat, or feel more hungry. In serious cases, you can pass out or have a seizure. Most people who take insulin have an insulin reaction at some time. Talk to your doctor about what to do if you have hypoglycemia. Your doctor may suggest that you always have on hand a snack that has sugar in it, such as candy, fruit juice or regular not diet soda, to counteract hypoglycemia.
Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
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Contact afpserv aafp. Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Next: Diabetes and Exercise. Aug 01, Issue. Am Fam Physician. What is insulin, and why do I need it? Do I need to monitor my blood sugar level? How often will I need to take insulin? When should I take insulin?
What is different about insulin lispro? Types of insulin Each type of insulin works at a different speed and lasts for a different length of time. How do I take insulin? Pull back on the plunger to draw the insulin into the syringe. Inject the insulin with the needle at an angle of about 90 degrees. What is rapid-acting insulin? How can it help control my blood sugar level? When do I take rapid-acting insulin? Can I mix rapid-acting insulin with other types of insulin? How do I prepare the correct dose of insulin?
Wash your hands. Take the plastic cover off the new insulin bottle. Wipe the top of the bottle with a cotton swab that you have dipped in alcohol. Pull back the plunger of the syringe. This draws air into the syringe equal to the dose of insulin that you are taking. Then put the syringe needle through the rubber top of the insulin bottle. Inject air into the bottle by pushing the syringe plunger forward. Then turn the bottle upside down. Make sure that the tip of the needle is in the insulin.
Pull back on the syringe plunger to draw the correct dose of insulin into the syringe. The dose of insulin is measured in units. Make sure there are no air bubbles in the syringe before you take the needle out of the insulin bottle. Air bubbles can cut down the amount of insulin that you get in your injection.
If air bubbles are present, hold the syringe and the bottle straight up in one hand, tap the syringe with your other hand and let the air bubbles float to the top. Push on the plunger of the syringe to move the air bubbles back into the insulin bottle. Then withdraw the correct insulin dose by pulling back on the plunger. Clean your skin with cotton dipped in alcohol.
Grab a fold of skin and inject the insulin at a degree angle. Where do I inject the insulin? Things to consider What is an insulin reaction? Signs of an insulin reaction and hypoglycemia include the following: Feeling very tired. Yawning frequently. Being unable to speak or think clearly. Losing muscle coordination. Having a seizure. Becoming very pale. Losing consciousness. How can I deal with an insulin reaction?
Fruit: 2 tablespoons of raisins. Milk: 1 cup. Candy: 5 Lifesavers. Glucose tablets: 3 tablets 5 grams each. How can I keep my blood sugar level from getting too high or too low?
Questions for your doctor Do I need insulin to control my type of diabetes? What type of insulin should I take? How often do I need to check my blood sugar? How can I know how much insulin to take? What should I do to keep my insulin from getting too low overnight? Last Updated: August 17, This article was contributed by familydoctor.
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