Everything you need to know about Insulin and its types
Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced in a healthy individual’s body. Made by the pancreas, it allows your body to absorb glucose from the carbohydrates that your food carries and use it as energy.
The body cells do require enough sugar in order to function with enough energy. However, the sugar is not automatically directed into cells. This is where insulin makes the super entry. After consuming a meal, the sugar levels in your body increase and insulin is then released so as to absorb the sugar and bring drop into your bloodstream.
Insulin plays a very key role, as it helps keep a track on the sugar level as per your body’s requirement. It also carries excess sugar to your liver and releases it when your body is in need. Hence, insulin is a very important hormone that helps in keeping the sugar level balanced in the body. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, you are likely to develop high blood pressure. If this goes on for a long period, then you are at the risk of suffering from diabetes.
Diabetes can be classified into two types – one being type 1 diabetes and other is known as type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a more severe case as the pancreas is no more able to produce insulin. This causes sugar in the blood that is not controlled. Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not respond well to the insulin produced in the body. Artificial Insulin is used to treat both the stages, however, a person with type 1 diabetes will require a constant dose of insulin to avoid further damage.
The types of insulin that are used to treat both – type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Rapid-acting insulin – This type of insulin is taken either before or after a meal, especially to control the sudden spike in blood sugar due to the meal. It works quickly within 15 minutes and generally taken in addition to a long-acting insulin.
Long-acting insulin – This kind of insulin works several hours after being injected and works for up to 24 hours.
Short-acting insulin – This insulin is generally given after a meal and can be effective for up to 3-6 hours. This one may be taken in addition to a long-acting insulin.
Intermediate-acting insulin – This type of insulin is generally taken at night as it works for up to 12 hours. It can be used in addition to short-acting insulin or rapid-acting insulin.
Your doctor will guide with the type of insulin that you should be given depending on several factors.
