7 tips for staying on track with your basal insulin injections

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Basal insulin is normally produced during the day between meals and overnight. Glucose (blood sugar) is made and released by the liver when you’re in a post-meal or fasting state. Basal insulin allows the cells of the body to use this glucose for energy and to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range.

People with type 2 diabetes may not produce enough, or any, insulin. They often benefit from taking long-acting insulin, which mimics the action of basal insulin. If you take long-acting insulin injections to manage type 2 diabetes, there are certain routines that you should follow for this insulin to work most effectively.

Tip #1: Have a sleep routine

The goal of basal insulin is to maintain a steady blood sugar level during fasting periods. It’s recommended that people administer the injection at a regular time, such as before bedtime. Keeping consistent sleeping hours will help you and your GP monitor how the insulin works in your body while you’re sleeping and throughout the day. This is necessary so that you can predict the window of time when the insulin is working.

Tip #2: Pen vs. syringe

Long-acting insulin is available in liquid form, and the only way to get it inside your body is by injecting it. There are two ways of injecting insulin into your body: by syringe and by pen. Seek guidance from your GP on which is best for you and recommended safe and hygienic ways of using them.

Tip #3: Self-monitor

Always check your blood sugar levels so that you can understand and keep track of how certain things affect them: exercise, different types of food, and when you take your meals, for example. This will also help you predict your blood sugar levels during the day based on your activities.

With proper and regular self-monitoring, you can avoid experiencing the side effects of having very low or very high blood sugar levels. Self-monitoring will also help you make the right decisions in terms of your insulin dosage.

Tip #4: Rotate the injection site

The place where you inject insulin can have a huge impact on your treatment and blood sugar levels. Insulin gets transported into the bloodstream at different speeds when injected in different areas of the body. Insulin shots are fastest if injected in the abdomen, and slowest when injected in the thighs or buttocks.

Most people who have diabetes inject long-acting insulin in the abdomen since they need to do so only once or twice a day. Make sure that you avoid the area around the belly button and don’t inject exactly in the same location every time.

Injecting insulin in the same area over and over again can cause hard lumps to develop. This is known as lipohypertrophy. These hard lumps are caused by the presence of fatty deposits. In the long run, they can alter the absorption rate of the insulin.

Tip #5: Always work with your GP or Healthcare provider

Basal insulin dosages aren’t standard. They depend on your blood sugar levels. Make sure that you work with your GP to find out what dosage of basal insulin is right for you.

If your glucose level rise, you need to talk to your doctor to increase your dose. Then you need to repeat testing to monitor your blood sugar levels. If your before-bed glucose is very high, you may need to adjust this insulin dose or one of your mealtime medication doses. You need to continue adjusting as well as repeating your blood sugar tests until your blood sugar levels become reasonably steady at nighttime or during fasting periods.

Tip #6: Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Improve your body’s insulin sensitivity by embracing a healthy lifestyle. Getting plenty of exercise and eating regular meals will help your doctor establish a consistent diabetes management regimen using basal insulin therapy.

Engaging in exercise regularly or doing other physical activities can help avert extreme spikes in your blood sugar level. If you exercise only sporadically, it’s difficult to determine how your body will respond to the insulin adjustment that you need.

Meanwhile, eating regular balanced meals can help maintain steady blood sugar and avoid spikes. Developing your own insulin injection routine is very important, and sticking with it will help you be successful in managing your blood sugar levels.

Extracts taken from Janice Dumlao from https://www.healthline.com