0.38 CME

Diabetes and Daily Insulin Use

Conférencier: Dr Bijayraj. R

Sr. Consultant, Family Medicine and Diabetology, Starcare Hospital, Kerala

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Description

For many individuals with diabetes, daily insulin use is a crucial component of their treatment plan, helping to regulate blood glucose levels and prevent complications. Insulin is a hormone that enables the body's cells to absorb and use glucose from the bloodstream, thereby lowering elevated blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes typically require daily insulin injections or insulin pump therapy to compensate for their body's inability to produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, insulin may also be prescribed when oral medications and lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient to control blood sugar levels. Managing daily insulin doses requires careful monitoring of blood glucose levels throughout the day to make adjustments as needed.

Résumé

  • The talk introduces insulin as a powerful anti-diabetic drug, capable of significantly lowering HbA1c levels. Despite newer medications, insulin remains unmatched in its ability to manage hyperglycemia, particularly in conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis and during hospitalizations. Different types of insulin, including human insulins and insulin analogs, offer varying durations and onset of action, allowing for tailored treatment plans.
  • Human insulins are exact replicas of the insulin produced by the human body, manufactured through bacterial or yeast DNA processes. Insulin analogs are modifications of the original insulin molecule, designed to alter their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. This leads to the development of rapid-acting and long-acting insulins, each with its own unique profile.
  • Insulin administration requires careful attention to the type of insulin, syringe compatibility, and injection technique. Pens are generally preferred for their ease of use, accurate dosing, and improved patient adherence. However, vial and syringe usage remains relevant due to cost considerations, particularly when higher insulin doses are needed.
  • Proper injection site selection and rotation are crucial to prevent lipohypertrophy and optimize insulin absorption. The anterior abdominal wall is often the preferred site due to its stability and convenience. Needle reuse should be minimized to ensure accurate dosing and reduce the risk of pain or complications.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of tailoring insulin therapy to individual patient needs, lifestyle, and sugar patterns. Starting with lower doses and gradually titrating based on blood sugar monitoring is recommended. While guidelines suggest referral to a diabetologist after 3-6 months of uncontrolled sugars, earlier referral may be necessary in cases of severe hyperglycemia.
  • The lecture discusses the concept of insulin resistance, where insulin is unable to function properly at the cellular level. In such cases, drugs that lower insulin resistance, like metformin and thiazolidinediones, may be more effective. This approach can be particularly successful when combined with dietary and lifestyle modifications.
  • Several case scenarios illustrate how different insulin regimens can be tailored to individual patient profiles, with a focus on practicality and cost-effectiveness. For instance, a long-acting insulin is suggested for elderly patients with high fasting blood sugars, while a premixed insulin or basil-bolus regimen may be more appropriate for patients with both high fasting and postprandial glucose levels.

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