If you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it means your pancreas either fails to produce insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it to meet your body’s requirements. Insulin is essential for regulating blood sugar levels as it helps glucose enter your cells, providing the energy they need.
Without sufficient insulin, glucose remains in your bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous. Persistently high blood sugar can lead to complications linked with diabetes.
Which Type of Diabetes Requires Insulin?
Individuals with type 1 diabetes must rely on insulin because their bodies do not naturally produce the necessary amount to control blood glucose levels. This condition is commonly known as insulin-dependent diabetes.
In recent decades, significant advancements have been made in managing type 1 diabetes. Modern insulin therapy often focuses on smaller daily doses, making it easier to adjust as needed.
Different types of insulin cater to various requirements. Long-acting insulin, also known as basal insulin, is taken once or twice daily and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels overnight and between meals.
Fast-acting insulin, or bolus insulin, is used to manage the spike in blood glucose that occurs after eating or drinking. It is usually administered before meals, snacks, or drinks with carbohydrates.
Below is a list of insulin medications commonly used for managing type 1 diabetes:
Short-acting Insulin
- Regular insulin (Humulin, Novolin)
Rapid-acting Insulin
- Insulin aspart (NovoLog, FlexPen, Fiasp)
- Insulin glulisine (Apidra)
- Insulin lispro (Humalog)
Intermediate-acting Insulin
- Insulin isophane (Humulin N, Novolin N)
Long-acting Insulin
- Insulin degludec (Tresiba)
- Insulin detemir (Levemir)
- Insulin glargine (Lantus)
- Insulin glargine (Toujeo)
Combination Insulin
- NovoLog Mix 70/30 (insulin aspart protamine-insulin aspart)
- Humalog Mix 75/25 (insulin lispro protamine-insulin lispro)
- Humalog Mix 50/50 (insulin lispro protamine-insulin lispro)
- Humulin 70/30 (human insulin NPH-human insulin regular)
- Novolin 70/30 (human insulin NPH-human insulin regular)
- Ryzodeg (insulin degludec-insulin aspart)
Remember, not every type of insulin is suitable for everyone. Your doctor will evaluate your general health and the severity of your diabetes before prescribing an insulin regimen. It is vital to discuss your insulin medication and treatment options with your healthcare provider to ensure the most effective management of type 1 diabetes.