You have two ways to take
insulin for
type 1 diabetes. Both use a needle. You can inject
yourself with insulin using a syringe, or you may have a tube attached under
your skin and connected to an
insulin pump.
Syringes and pens
If you use a syringe to give
yourself insulin, you can tightly control the mixture of insulin and where you
inject it. But syringes may not be convenient for people who may need to inject
insulin up to 4 times a day.
Some people use an
insulin pen. It looks like a slightly oversized
writing pen. A pen can come prefilled with insulin, or you can put a cartridge
of insulin in it. A short needle is attached to the end of the pen. You can set
the dose you need and then inject it through the needle. Many people,
especially those on a multi-dose schedule, find insulin pens convenient and
accurate. The cartridges come in many varieties of insulin, including premixed
insulins. Disposable pens are also available.
Pumps
An insulin pump gives a preset amount (basal
rate) of insulin to maintain a normal blood sugar level throughout the day and
night. You can change the rate one or more times during the day. Additional
doses of rapid-acting insulin can be given through the pump when you eat a meal
and need extra insulin.
A tube connected to a catheter under your
skin connects the pump to your body. You need to move the catheter every 2 to 3
days. The pump also uses a needle. Generally, only people with type 1 diabetes
use the pump. The pump is sometimes a good choice for children with
diabetes.
One drawback is that the tube can become blocked or
dislodged. In such cases, while you may think that you are receiving insulin,
your blood sugar may be rising, and it could lead to diabetic
ketoacidosis.
Deciding which method of insulin administration you
prefer is a complex decision. Think about your lifestyle and then look at which
option best fits your needs. There are benefits and disadvantages to each tool,
some of which are outlined in the table below.
Advantages and disadvantages of insulin injections and pumps Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
Syringe injections | - Does not require much
equipment
- Complete control over your dosing, including insulin
formulation
- No dependence on a mechanical device
- Less
noticeable if you wear a swimsuit or other revealing clothing
| - Constant needle pricks and potential scar
tissue buildup
- May be inconvenient if you are in
public
- Syringe safety issues, such as reuse, infection,
contamination
|
| Pen injections | - Does not require much
equipment
- Easy to carry and use, especially for people on a
multi-dose regimen
- No dependence on a mechanical device
- Less noticeable than a syringe and vials of insulin
- Some types may be easier to use for the visually impaired-some
models make a 'clicking' sound that helps to measure the required amount of
insulin.
| - May be slightly more expensive
- Some insulin types and mixtures may not be available in pen or pen
cartridge form.
|
Pump delivery | - Less intrusive in your life
overall
- Less painful: fewer needle sticks
- Provides as
good or better blood sugar control as multiple insulin injections with fewer
dangerous low blood sugar levels
- Increases flexibility in
lifestyle, such as delaying meals, sleeping late, or variations in exercise
levels
- Can be programmed for more than one rate to prevent low
blood sugar levels, especially during the night
| - Tubing may become blocked or disconnected,
leading to hyperglycemia, and possible
diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Can still develop
hypoglycemia, but usually less severe than with multiple insulin
injections
- Possible infections and rash at injection
site
- Possible weight gain from better blood sugar
control
- Expensive
|
Experts are researching other ways to deliver insulin.
Injecting insulin with needles is still the main way to treat type 1
diabetes.
