O MeA e tAtAU OnA e IlOA - Australian Diabetes Council

12
Insulin
The pancreas is a part of the body situated behind the stomach that produces a hormone
called insulin.
Without insulin, the cells in our bodies would not be able to use the glucose (sugar) to provide
energy.
In type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not make any insulin and
glucose levels build up in the blood. Insulin by injection or by
insulin pump is required for life. A person with type 2 diabetes or
gestational diabetes may also require insulin to keep their blood
glucose levels within the recommended range.
Your doctor may decide that insulin is needed as well as oral
medications, or that insulin may be better than oral medications.
This does not mean that you have failed in your diabetes
management. It has been decided that insulin is necessary to
maintain good diabetes management.
All insulins lower blood glucose levels. Low blood glucose or
hypoglycaemia can be a side effect of insulin treatment. It is
essential to know how to recognise and treat low blood glucose or
a hypoglycaemic episode.
There are many types of insulins available, you and your doctor
will discuss which is right for you. If you have any questions or
concerns about starting on insulin you can also contact your
diabetes educator.
Key points to know are:
• Type and amount of insulin to be used
• Time to take your insulin and when to eat
• The time your insulin has it’s greatest effect and how long it stays in your body
• When to test your blood glucose (sugar) level
• When to contact your doctor or diabetes health care team.
Tell your doctor or diabetes educator of any changes in your lifestyle, working
hours, physical activity or meal times. They will advise you if you need to change
your insulin treatment .
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