In most cases, basal insulin should be taken at the same time of day, every day, at the prescribed intervals.

If you are apprehensive about beginning insulin therapy or about any aspect of your diabetes management, share your concerns with your health-care team; they may be able to help once they know what is worrying you.

In short, insulin pens make taking insulin simpler — pens have the advantages of accurate dosing and easy use over syringes.

Unopened, never-used pens can be stored in the refrigerator. But once you have attached a needle or placed a cartridge in a reusable pen, it should be stored at room temperature to prevent condensation from forming in the insulin container.

Never store an insulin pen with a needle (new or used) attached, as this may allow insulin to leak out or air to leak in.

Discard it. The effectiveness of insulin that is past its expiration date may be severely compromised.

Never store an insulin pen with a needle (new or used) attached, as this may allow insulin to leak out or air to leak in.

When traveling, keep your diabetes supplies with you; never place insulin or other liquid supplies in checked baggage. Make sure that prescription information accompanies your supplies.

In some cases, people with Type 2 diabetes can reduce or eliminate their need for insulin injections through weight loss, dietary changes, and increased exercise — as long as the function of their pancreas has not deteriorated.

If you have Type 2 diabetes and your HbA1c level is rising despite consistent diabetes control efforts, you may need to begin insulin therapy.

No. If you feel that you have “failed” your diabetes management because you need to start insulin therapy, reassure yourself that it is your pancreas that is failing; this is part of the regular progression of Type 2 diabetes.

When you use insulin, changing the site of injection each time you take it by at least a finger’s width prevents the skin in the area from becoming thick, hard, or pitted.