Dr. Richard Bebb, Endocrinologist, Victoria, BC
2. Bolus (mealtime) insulin
- Taken before meals to cover carbohydrates and correct high blood sugar.
- Examples include Insulin Lispro, Insulin Aspart, and Insulin Glulisine.
3. Basal-bolus therapy
- Combines long-acting and rapid-acting insulin.
- Commonly used in Type 1 Diabetes and some people with advanced Type 2 Diabetes.
Diabetes insulin management refers to using insulin safely and effectively to keep blood glucose levels within a target range. The details depend on whether a person has Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, gestational diabetes, or another form of diabetes.
Common insulin regimens
1. Basal insulin (long-acting)
- Provides background insulin throughout the day and night.
- Examples include Insulin Glargine, Insulin Detemir, and Insulin Degludec.
- Often used once daily (sometimes twice daily depending on the insulin and individual needs).
Diabetes - Nutrition Management
Dr. Akshay Jain, MD, FRCPC, Sarah Ware RD
Choose Higher-Fiber Foods
Examples:
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Vegetables
- Fruits with edible skins
- Nuts and seeds
Fiber slows digestion and can improve glucose control.
For diabetes, insulin management and nutrition work together to help keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range. The exact approach depends on whether someone has Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, gestational diabetes, and what insulin regimen they use.
Limit Sugary Beverages
Reduce:
- Regular soda
- Sweetened coffee drinks
- Energy drinks
- Sweetened juices
Water, unsweetened tea, and other sugar-free beverages are generally better choices.
Dr. Akshay Jain, Endocrinologist, Surrey, BC
Dr. Akshay Jain, MD, FRCPC, Sarah Ware RD
Dr. Akshay Jain, MD, FRCPC, Sarah Ware RD
Dr. Richard Bebb, Endocrinologist, Victoria, BC
Some signs that mental health support may be helpful include:
- Feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
- Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Constant worry about blood sugar or diabetes complications
- Skipping insulin doses or diabetes care because of emotional exhaustion
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Diabetes, insulin, and mental health are closely connected.
- People with diabetes are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and diabetes-related distress (the emotional burden of managing a chronic condition).
- Mental health difficulties can make it harder to monitor blood sugar, take medications, follow meal plans, and attend medical appointments.
- Blood sugar levels themselves can affect mood and thinking. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may cause anxiety, irritability, confusion, shakiness, or panic-like symptoms. High blood sugar can contribute to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.
- For people who use insulin, concerns about injections, hypoglycemia, or long-term complications can increase stress and anxiety. Managing diabetes every day can create significant mental strain.
Robert Roscoe, BSc. Pharm, ACRP, CDE, CPT, Pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator
Preventing Medication Errors
Pharmacists help patients:
- Understand dosing instructions.
- Avoid mixing up different insulin products.
- Recognize the importance of taking the correct insulin at the correct time.
- Identify potential interactions with other medications.
Monitoring Blood Glucose Management
Pharmacists can:
- Review blood glucose records.
- Discuss patterns of high or low blood sugar.
- Recommend when patients should consult their doctor about dose adjustments.
- Support adherence to treatment plans.
Pharmacists play an important role in helping people who use insulin manage their diabetes safely and effectively. Their support goes beyond dispensing medication and can include education, monitoring, and ongoing care.
How Pharmacists Help Patients with Insulin
Teaching Proper Insulin Use
Pharmacists can explain:
- The different types of insulin (rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting).
- When and how to take insulin.
- How to use insulin pens, syringes, pumps, or other delivery devices correctly.
- How to rotate injection sites to prevent skin problems.
Diabetes - Insulin Management
Dr. Richard Bebb, Endocrinologist, Victoria, BC
Lori Berard Nurse, Manitoba
Lori Berard Nurse, Manitoba