Essential Information About Insulin Use For Diabetic Patients

Insulin is a life-saving medication. At the time of writing this post, there is no alternative to insulin in the treatment of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients. However, it is essential to know some things for those who are using insulin.

In our today's post, we are going to know...

What Needs To Be Known When Using Insulin...

1. Insulin Storage

The effectiveness of insulin is lost if it comes into direct contact with heat or is kept in a deep freezer. For this reason, insulin should be stored in a regular refrigerator; a suitable temperature range is between two to eight degrees Celsius. If there is no refrigerator available, insulin can be used with a cooler instead of a vial.

2. Expiration Date of Insulin

It is important to check the expiration date before taking insulin. If it has expired/dated over or the color has changed to blur or any other, it should not be used a single time. Do not use insulin vials that have been open for more than four weeks.

3. Care With Syringes or Pens

Those who have injuries or burns on their hands should not take the risk of using the same syringe repeatedly. The needle must be kept inside the cap. Storing insulin pens in the fridge when they are open is not advisable. This can trap air inside and affect the concentration of insulin. You cannot use someone else's syringe. When the insulin pen or syringe needle is bent, twisted, or comes into contact with something else, it should be discarded immediately. When discarding, open the pen cap and bend it like it should not be used, and stay safe in nature.

4. Skin Care

The site of insulin application should be carefully examined. Repeated use of insulin can cause skin thickness. In medical terms, this is called Lipohypertrophy. Sometimes, skin thickness can decrease. It is important to check for this before using insulin. Doctors should examine the injection skin area at least once every six months.

SEE ALSO: 10 Best And Cheap Foods That Are Good For Kidneys

5. Skin Part to Apply Insulin

The optimal site for insulin application is under the skin of the abdomen. A person's skin is two to four millimeters thick. Beneath it is a layer of fat. The ideal site for insulin application is the area one and a half to two inches above and below the navel and within a plane parallel to the ground. It can also be used in the upper arm and outer thigh. Insulin can be given to children in the buttocks.

6. Precautions

The skin must be clean before administering insulin. The area must be cleaned with soap and water or moistened with alcohol before insulin is given. After the alcohol has dried, the injection should be given. The injection site should be changed every time you inject.

ALSO READ: 10 Bad Habits That Increase Body Fat and Weight Overnight

That's all. Hope this post helps. We want your valuable comments about this post. Stay well and Allah Hafez.

Doctor Reference and Source: Dr. L. Colonel Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Specialist in Medicine, CMH, Dhaka. Prothom alo.