- What is Basal Insulin?<\/li>
- Types of Basal Insulin<\/li>
- Basal Insulin Dosage Information and Guide<\/li>
- Side Effects of Basal Insulin<\/li>
- The Basal-Bolus Insulin Regimen<\/li>
- The Insulin Pump<\/li>
- Other Important Factors that Contribute to Diabetes Management<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
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What Is Basal Insulin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nBasal insulin is one of the most popular insulins available to patients who have diabetes. It’s one major therapy that people who seek blood sugar control adopt. Basal insulin is designed to provide the body with insulin to keep their blood sugar level at the appropriate level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The American Diabetes Association (ADA)<\/u><\/em><\/a> defines basal insulin as background insulin because it fills the bloodstream with insulin that tackles blood sugar spikes during fasting and sleeping. This means it’s designed to stabilize blood glucose levels during inactiveness and before\/after meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The basal insulin is quite unique as it’s mostly in times of fasting and inactiveness that blood sugar rises the highest. At night, during sleep, the liver releases glucose into the bloodstream continuously, which continues till the morning, causing the “<\/em>dawn phenomenon<\/u><\/em><\/a>.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consistent increase at night is extremely risky for people with diabetes. Thankfully, basal insulin controls the phenomenon, significantly reducing the risk of diabetes complications. Also, following meals, there’s a severe risk of blood sugar increasing more than it should. Again, basal insulin helps prevent such by ensuring adequate postprandial blood sugar level control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Types of Basal Insulin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Depending on their characteristics and modes of action, all brands of basal insulin are categorized into one of the three categories. While there are different basal insulin types and brands, the major categorization is the one that comprises:<\/p>\n\n\n
- Intermediate-acting basal insulin<\/li>
- Long-acting basal insulin<\/li>
- Ultra-long-acting basal insulin<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
We’ll comprehensively go through each one alongside examples in the following sections to help people know more about basal insulin’s usefulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Intermediate-Acting Insulin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This category describes injectable insulins injected into the body and lasts up to 1 hour. It’s at its strongest 4–8 hours after injection. Since these insulins’ effect doesn’t last the whole day, they are best injected into the body in the morning, just before meals, or in the evening after meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two major brands of intermediate-acting insulin are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Humulin N (NPH insulin)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Novolin N (NPH insulin)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both do the same thing and are only different by brand names. Hence, we’ll only discuss Humulin N to outline exactly how intermediate-acting insulins are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Humulin N<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Humulin is an FDA-approved medication to help control blood sugar levels in children and adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Humulin presents as a liquid suspension and is administered as an injection. It can be administered through a prefilled KwikPen<\/strong> or a multiple-dose vial<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This medication has no specific dosage; your insulin needs and blood sugar levels enable your doctor to determine your personalized dosage. However, there might be a need to adjust your dosage, and monitoring your blood sugar closely will determine any future adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Humulin N contains an active agent called insulin human isophane, a type of human-made insulin that’s slowly released into the blood system over time. It’s also termed neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin (NPH insulin). This form of insulin is manufactured with the help of recombinant DNA technology, where genetic properties are combined to produce insulin in humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The insulin human is a similar type of insulin created naturally by the pancreas. So, the body uses human insulin just like it does with natural insulin. This insulin works in the body by transferring glucose from the bloodstream to the cells, where they’re used for energy purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Long-Acting Insulin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Long-acting basal insulins stay in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours. For some people, these categories of insulin may last for a little over 24 hours, while it could be less in others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good thing about this type of insulin is that its onset of action is pegged at 90 minutes following injection into the bloodstream. However, some people may have to wait for up to 4 hours before the effect kicks in. Also, unlike the intermediate-acting insulin with a peak time, these categories of insulin work at a steady, gradual rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are four brands of long-acting insulin, and they include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Levemir (Insulin detemir)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lantus (Insulin glargine)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toujeo (Insulin glargine)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basaglar (Insulin glargine)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again, all four insulins are long-acting and function the same way. We’ll only consider Levemir to highlight how long-acting insulin brands work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Levemir<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The injection presents in the following forms:<\/p>\n\n\n
- A vial containing 10 ml of the drug mixture, with 100 units of insulin detemir per mL.<\/li>
- A pre-filled pen known as the FlexTouch pen containing 3 mL of the drug mixture with 100 units of insulin detemir per mL.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
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Ultra-Long-Acting Insulin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The ultra-long-acting insulin is a special type of insulin designed in January 2016. It’s considered the longest background insulin category because it can last for up to 42 hours. There’s only one major brand in this insulin category — Tresiba<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We’ll briefly highlight how Tresiba works and what patients are to expect following its administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Tresiba<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This is an FDA-approved medication to help control blood sugar levels in children 1 year and above and adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Tresiba is a liquid solution taken as an injection under the skin once daily. The injection presents in the following forms:<\/p>\n\n\n
- A 10 ml vial that contains 100 units of insulin per ml of the solution.<\/li>
- A FlexTouch pen — a pre-filled disposable injection pen that comes in either 200 units of insulin for each ml of solution or 100 units of insulin for each solution.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
This medication is artificial insulin manufactured in the laboratory and works like the body’s insulin. When Tresiba is given through the skin, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream, acting as a replacement for the natural insulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tresiba contains a form of insulin known as insulin degludec. When injected through the skin, Tresiba steadily and slowly gets absorbed through the skin tissue into the bloodstream. A dose of Tresiba is effective for 42 hours, which helps manage blood sugar before meals, after, and overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Additional Notes<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The above are the major categorizations of basal insulins and how they work. Generally, you must talk to your doctor before choosing anyone to ensure safety. There are different types of treatment, and your activity rate and diabetes progress will determine the one that works best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Basal Insulin Dosage Information and Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"basal](\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/3-Basal-insuslin-dosage-shutterstock_2138977669.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\nBasal Insulins have different dosage requirements because of how they work. Moreover, each insulin category has its pros and cons, so an endocrinologist is the best specialist to help you ascertain the right dose for each category. Discussed below are the general insulin dosage guide and information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Take Intermediate Acting Insulin At Bedtimes (Humulin N and Novolin N)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Insulin for most people with diabetes is almost always available in the afternoon when they’re most needed. However, in the mornings, evenings and bedtimes, they’re not as available as they should be in healthy people. This is why the intermediate-acting insulins—Humulin N and Novolin N—are recommended just before or after meals in the morning and evening to allow for adequate blood sugar control before it worsens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Taking Long-Acting and Ultra-Long-Acting Insulins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Levemir, Lantus, Toujeo, Basaglar or insulin degludec (Tresiba) are all long-acting insulins. While the first four insulins are standard long-acting insulins that last for 24 hours on average, Tresiba is an ultra-long-acting insulin lasting close to 48 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking any of these two insulins is quite straightforward. If you feel your blood sugar spikes aren’t yet advanced, these standard insulins are the best. However, if you know your spikes are severe such that the average long-acting insulin may not be enough to counter them, then ultra-long-acting insulin is the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A doctor is in the best position to determine if your condition is severe or not and the type of treatment that you should go for, so never rule out the need for a doctor’s visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Side Effects of Basal Insulin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"de](\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/4-side-effects-of-basal-shutterstock_2102060320.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile basal insulin is excellent for maintaining blood sugar and reducing the risk of hyperglycemia, several side effects accompany the therapy, with the major one being low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)<\/strong>. Some people may experience hypoglycemia in a situation when their insulin dosage becomes excessive following a decline in diabetes progression. This is extremely likely when patients implement other diabetes-friendly management tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Normally, it’s expected that health specialists periodically review patients’ insulin doses to avoid taking more insulin than needed. The sad reality is that some patients don’t share their progress with their doctor and end up having too many insulin doses, risking hypoglycemia in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basal insulin may also lead to certain allergies<\/strong> in people whose bodies don’t tolerate a particular brand. They could experience itching and sores<\/strong>, among other reactions. Additionally, there could be poor interaction between basal insulins and certain drugs<\/strong>, including beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and diuretics<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Basal-Bolus Insulin Regimen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"the](\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/5-the-basal-bolus-insulin-regimen-shutterstock_2172075033.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\nBolus insulin is quite different from basal insulin. While basal insulin has three categories of insulin that work well for their respective purposes, bolus insulin is often the one experts opt for when they require a therapy with a faster onset of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bolus insulin is called mealtime insulin because it’s strategic insulin taken during meals. They’re grouped as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n
- Rapid-acting insulin<\/li>
- Short-acting insulin<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
These two are somewhat similar but act a bit differently. The rapid-acting variants are designed to act immediately (as fast as 10 minutes following administration), contrary to short-acting insulin, which has an onset of action of at least half an hour. While both are simply designed to handle the after-effects of high blood sugar following meals, rapid-acting insulin has a shorter duration of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bolus insulin can also be essential and provide relief where basal insulin falls short. Due to the steady, gradual release of insulin into the bloodstream when using basal therapy, controlling your blood sugar immediately after a meal may prove challenging. In such scenarios, bolus insulin would be the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drawing from the above realities surrounding the basal and bolus insulins, it’s clear that they can complement each other and help patients control their blood sugar much better. While the background insulin or basal insulin gives longer blood sugar control, bolus insulin ensures immediate control of blood sugar. To ensure the best of both worlds, experts lean towards a medical therapy termed the “Basal-Bolus regimen.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consulting your doctor is the first step to adopting the basal-bolus injection regimen, as the therapy requires patients to take multiple shots of injected insulin. Without an expert guide, there may be possible complications. A health expert will help patients know exactly when to take each of the injections to feel better and healthier without serious side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The side effects of basal-bolus insulin therapy aren’t so different from what basal insulin presents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Insulin Pump<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Insulin](\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/6-the-insulin-pump-shutterstock_1782781304.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe insulin pump is a popular insulin device that’s great for administering insulin into the body. The pump is similar to a smartphone device and effectively delivers either basal insulin or bolus insulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pump is an alternative to injectable insulins and is preferred by many people. A major advantage of the insulin pump is that it makes the flow of the insulin in the bloodstream close to natural, imitating how insulin release ensues in a normal healthy body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The insulin pump, however, has several concerns. The first is the time it takes to fix an insulin pump into the body<\/strong>. The pump device needs to be set up, amongst other requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second is the possible mechanical issue<\/strong> that could arise when using an insulin pump. The slightest malfunction of an insulin pump can make people miss out on the right insulin amount that they actually need to function. For example, people with high blood sugar levels could have too much insulin and liver pressure that could cause diabetes ketoacidosis or have very small amounts and risk severe hyperglycemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you use insulin, it’s critical to use it based on a doctor’s recommendation for the best results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Other Important Factors that Contribute to Diabetes Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"diabetes](\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/7-other-important-factors-that-contribute-shutterstock_1238588443.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\nSticking needles into your body daily isn’t something one would want to deal with for extensive periods. Hence, there’s the need to opt for other means of managing blood sugar to reduce your dependence on injectable insulin in the long run. Here are the top recommendations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Lose Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Losing weight lowers your risk for diabetes. A study of people who lost 7% of weight through diet and exercise reduced their diabetic risk by 60%. In essence, the more weight you lose, the slimmer your chances of developing diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The American Diabetes Association (ADA)<\/em> recommends people with prediabetes lose about 7–10% of their weight to prevent the condition from progressing. You can start by using your current weight to create a weight loss goal. You could also book an appointment with your doctor to discuss your weight loss expectation and get a recommendation that will be best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Stay Active<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Inactivity increases your risk for type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, putting your muscles through work via exercise improves your body’s ability to absorb glucose and use insulin. This helps your cells that create insulin to be stress-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"insulin\"](\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2022\/08\/8-concluding-words-_-summary-shutterstock_2052269624.jpg\")
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