Steps
Key Knowledge
Nearly 1 in 3 people with type 2 diabetes will need insulin to successfully manage it. Some people who make major lifestyle changes and lose weight can eventually stop using insulin.
Make sure you take your insulin exactly as instructed without missing doses.
Always have a quick-acting sugar (like fruit juice) available in case your sugar ever goes below 70. Make sure you know how to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar.
Read more:
Make sure you take your insulin exactly as instructed without missing doses.
Always have a quick-acting sugar (like fruit juice) available in case your sugar ever goes below 70. Make sure you know how to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar.
Read more:
Insulin Types
In general there are long-acting insulins and fast-acting insulins. Most people start with a long-acting or intermediate-acting insulin first, then add fast-acting insulin if needed.
- Long-acting insulin (such as Tresiba, Lantus, Toujeo, etc.) works all the time to keep your blood sugars controlled throughout the day and night.
- Rapid-acting insulin (such as Humalog, Novolog, Apidra, Fiasp, etc.) keeps your blood sugar from going high after a meal. You should only take this insulin right before you eat a meal with carbohydrates (including sweets).
Monitoring on Insulin
Please refer back to your "Care Plan" in your Diabetes case for instructions on how often to check your blood sugar.
Usually:
Usually:
- If you are on long-acting insulin, you should check your blood sugar before you eat in the morning (fasting) and before bed, or at other times during the day.
- If you are on mealtime or rapid insulin, you should check your blood sugar before you eat and sometimes 1 to 2 hours after meals.
Make sure you know what kind of insulin you have, how to safely use insulin, and how to monitor your blood sugar.
