title: A primer on insulin use.
abstract: Insulin treatment, if thoughtfully designed and carefully monitored, can allow the diabetic patient to lead a close-to-normal life. Several types of insulin with varying times of action are available, and regimens can be tailored to a patient's needs and life-style, with alterations made for such things as time changes, exercise, and fasting for surgical procedures. Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels can provide patients with an important measure of independence, as can instruction on recognizing and correcting episodes of hypoglycemia. Insulin is an important part of managing ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemia syndrome, although success depends on overall care.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D006801:Humans; D006944:Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma / Q000188:drug therapy; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D049528:Insulin, Long-Acting / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D013594:Syringes
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D049528:Insulin, Long-Acting