Updated July 25, 2006

Understanding Insulin

by Laura Hieronymus, M.S.Ed., A.P.R.N., B.C.-A.D.M., C.D.E., and Patti Geil, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.

Powerful medicine
While no one necessarily enjoys injecting insulin or inserting a pump catheter, for many people with diabetes, insulin is the most effective therapy for maintaining blood glucose control, along with healthy lifestyle behaviors such as meal planning and getting regular physical activity. This is important to remember, because the devastating complications that are associated with diabetes result largely from high blood glucose levels—and can be prevented by keeping blood glucose levels close to the normal range.

If you have questions about your insulin therapy or whether it might be a good time for you to start using insulin, speak to your diabetes care team. The more you understand your diabetes treatment, the more you are able to benefit from it.

Also in this article:
Treating Hypoglycemia

Patti Geil and Laura Hieronymus are certified diabetes educators and diabetes health consultants in Lexington, Kentucky. They are part of the education team at an American Diabetes Association–recognized education service at Drs. Borders & Associates, PSC. The authors would like to acknowledge the expertise and contribution of their colleague, Stacy Griffin, Pharm.D., R.Ph.

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