About Insulin The body uses insulin to change glucose into energy. Glucose in the blood comes from what you eat and drink. A person with type 1 diabetes doesn't produce any insulin. Without insulin, the glucose builds up in the blood, causing high blood sugar.* When you have type 2 diabetes, the insulin your pancreas makes does not work well, and it doesn't make enough insulin either.**
Have your parents talk to your doctor about how much insulin you need and how often you need to take it.
* Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: www.jdrf.org
** American Diabetes Association: http://tracker.diabetes.org/all-about-diabetes.php
Types of Insulin
The 4 main types of injectible insulin are:
- Rapid-acting, such as insulin lispro, insulin aspart, and insulin glulisine. A bolus or "mealtime" insulin.
- Short-acting insulin or regular insulin. Another bolus or "mealtime" insulin.
- Intermediate-acting or NPH. A basal insulin that lasts for longer periods of time and aims to provide background insulin.
- Long-acting insulin, such as insulin glargine (Lantus™) and insulin detemir (Levemir™). Also, a basal insulin that lasts for longer periods of time.
Injecting Insulin
When you first start injecting insulin, it’s normal to be a little worried. But thousands of kids do it every day – and you can too. Over time, you’ll learn how to fit it into your daily life. You can always talk to your parents and doctor if you aren’t feeling right. Just remember that each injection is a big step towards another simple win: staying as healthy as you can be.
Controlling Your Blood Sugar
You can take control of your diabetes by regularly testing your blood sugar levels. Testing regularly can show you how different foods, exercises and activities affect your blood sugar. This information will be valuable for you and your healthcare team to know when making decisions about your insulin treatment, as well as lifestyle choices.
When you get sick, it is important to check your blood sugar more frequently.
Did you know Bayer has really cool blood sugar meters in different styles and colors?
CLICK HERE to find out more. And tell your parents about Bayer’s
GLUCOFACTS® software that can help you keep track of your blood sugar levels right on your computer. With the right amount of insulin, regular testing, healthy eating habits and exercise, you can improve your health and take control of your diabetes. And that is a simple win.
Insulin:
Insulin is a hormone made by a gland near your stomach called the pancreas. Your body uses insulin to carry the sugar from the foods you eat to your cells through the bloodstream.
Blood Sugar
Sugar in the form of glucose in the blood.
*Sources: American Diabetes Association (ADA) Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation