To date, there have been several medical treatments made available to treat diabetes. So far, no medication has been identified that can cure diabetes. Medical professionals have constantly urged the general public to practice and maintain fitness activities as a healthy diet. This is the initial and one of the most critical steps in controlling their blood glucose or sugar levels. However, individuals whose diabetic conditions have progressed are given medication and other medical treatment to manage the disease. For individuals with diabetes who require medical treatment, insulin has been effective.
Insulin and its function
The pancreas produces insulin which is a hormone that regulates glucose amounts in the blood and also allows the body to use the glucose as a source of energy. Once glucose is absorbed into the blood, the insulin is responsible for allowing the cells within the body to absorb the glucose. However, once there is an excess of glucose in the bloodstream, the insulin acts by signaling the body to store any excess glucose within the liver. However, in diabetic individuals, the body is unable to effectively use its insulin, resulting in the continuous increase of glucose in an individual’s system, which can further lead to damage to vital organs and death if left untreated.
Insulin’s role difference
Insulin is used to treat both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Once you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin. Insulin therapy is administered to replicate a normal pancreas, which requires daily doses of insulin ingested through an insulin pump or injections. The blood glucose must be frequently monitored since the amount of insulin administered depends on the glucose level. Of course, a fitness plan inclusive of a healthy diet and exercise should be maintained because while food contributes to glucose, exercise will reduce blood glucose amounts, which will reduce the insulin doses.
While insulin therapy is the standard treatment for type 1 diabetes and is crucial for providing the insulin to the body that the pancreas has failed to create, insulin is also used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, insulin is only administered when other treatments and medication have been unable to stabilize blood glucose amounts.
Learning Accurate Dosage
Generally, it can be challenging to know the accurate dosage of insulin since the amount to be taken depends on stress, food, physical activity, and other general health aspects. Inaccurate doses of insulin can result in serious complications that can be life-threatening. Therefore it is vital for individuals to pay keen attention to their blood glucose amounts and how their body reacts to doses of insulin taken. To help individuals ensure that they are taking accurate doses of insulin, like Humalog, a glucose meter can help determine glucose amounts. Once the glucose amounts are identified, correct amounts of insulin will be administered.
While insulin has proven to be most effective in treating diabetes, individuals living with the condition should ensure that they stick to the health plan provided by their doctor to live a relatively healthy life.