Insulin injections and supplementation depend on the type of diabetes and the patient’s profile. Insulin injections may be required by patients of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Based on daily schedules, bodily requirements, and treatment plans, doctors draw up insulin therapy plans for the patients.

Insulin use for Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes patients tend to need fewer injections than Type 1 patients. For most patients who even need injections, one before bed in addition to the oral medication and lifestyle changes can be enough. If the pills stop having the desired effect of patients, then the injection frequency is ramped up.

Insulin use for Type 1 diabetes

Most of what we imagine as insulin use in our popular conception is derived from Type 1 diabetes patients’ experiences. They are usually put on a syringe plan and have to learn how to use syringes and even teach those near them to do the same. Patients may need the injections twice a day or more in some cases. Type 1 patients’ use of injections helps keep stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure and much more at bay.

Ways to take insulin

Insulin can be taken in multiple ways, whether you simply dislike needles or just don’t need heavy insulin supplementation. Some of the most common ways to get the insulin that diabetes patients need other than through a regular syringe are:

• Insulin Pen: This is a lot like sci-fi movies where the patient puts in pre-filled cartridges into the ‘pen’ and shoot the contents into your bloodstream. Patients simply have to press it up against a blood vessel and depress a button or trigger to inject the insulin into your body. It is fast, safe and convenient.
• Insulin Pump: An insulin pump is always attached to the patient and delivers insulin in pre-set dosages and timings. A small monitor on the pump helps set the dosages and timings. This is great for emergencies of those who need to make sure the dosages are strict and timed.
• Syringe Magnifier: This uses the classic needle and syringe, but with an added magnifier to help patients with poor vision to inject themselves.
• Injection pump patch: Since these don’t use any syringes or tubes, they’re easier to use and a far less invasive method for insulin injection.

There are many options available for diabetes patients, whether with or without needles and the medical field is one of continuous innovation. You may need to shop around a little but find something that works for you, that helps you stick to your insulin schedules with as little stress as possible.