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In Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. Therefore, insulin needs to be replaced through injections.
For optimal management, individuals with Type 1 Diabetes should be on a basal-bolus regimen, comprising two types of insulin:
Basal insulin provides a consistent background level of insulin to stabilise blood glucose levels throughout the day, including periods of fasting.
Even when you are not eating, your body requires a small amount of basal insulin to keep blood glucose levels from rising.
This insulin type is generally injected once or twice daily, due to its longer duration of action compared to quick-acting insulin.
The dose of basal insulin is usually 40 to 50% of your total daily insulin dose. Too little basal insulin can cause high blood glucose. Too much basal insulin can cause hypoglycaemia especially when you miss a meal or when you sleep. Being on the right dose will keep your glucose levels stable when you are not eating (Figure 1).
Utilise this worksheet (Overnight basal insulin evaluation worksheet) under the guidance of your healthcare team to assess if your basal insulin dose is appropriate.
Insulin can also be delivered through the use of an insulin pump. This is a battery-operated device containing a reservoir of quick-acting insulin connected to a tubing and a cannula under your skin.
The pump delivers both a constant infusion of basal insulin, and also boluses of quick-acting insulin without the need for injections.
Consult your healthcare team for more information about insulin pumps.
For a visual guide on insulin injection using a vial or insulin pen, watch our instructional video:
English l 胰岛素疗程 l Terapi Insulin l இன்சுலின் சிகிச்சை
Download a step-by-step guide for future reference here:
Lumps or lipohypertrophy can form under your skin if you inject repeatedly at the same spot. Injecting into lumpy areas with lipohypertrophy affects insulin absorption and leads to unstable glucose levels.
Regularly rotating injection sites can prevent lumps under the skin.
Before injecting, feel the chosen area for lumps. If you detect any, select a different site. Avoid injecting in lumpy areas for at least three to six months to allow the lumps to resolve