The pancreatic gland secretes approximately 24- 40 units of insulin per day, which are sufficient to our body needs (Otherwise, we have to give 2-3 times more amount of insulin from outside to the body needs). But the demands of insulin required by the body vary time to time in the body in the 24 hours. Insulin is generally taken in injection form through syringes or pumps. Inhaled form is also available in developed countries.
The pancreatic gland estimates from time to time, and secretes the actual amount of insulin required by the body, for that time and situation, i.e. sometimes more and sometimes less amount of insulin.
For example:
1. From 1 AM to 7 AM, our body is very active attending to the needs of the several of the body (metabolic activity is high), so the demand for insulin is also more, automatically.
2. Likewise, the demands for insulin is more at the time of mid-afternoon (1-2 PM) and the night time (8-9 PM).
At the rest of the tomes, the body needs less amount of insulin, to some extent. Hence, we have to give insulin 1-2 times from outside (in the form of injection), as per the needs of the body.
Types of insulin depending upon the duration of action: 5 types are available.
1. Short acting Insulin: Its action (controlling the glucose level in the blood) lasts for only 6 hours in the body. It acts very speedily and it looks almost like water.
2. Intermediate or medium acting Insulin: Its action lasts for 12 hours in the body, after taking injection. It is sticky in appearance (like gruel).
3. 24 hour’s Insulin: Its action, controlling the glucose in the blood, lasts for 24 hours only. It is also sticky in nature, appears like gruel.
4. Pre mixed type (30/70 type): In this variety, both short acting and long acting insulin 30% of short acting and 70% of long acting insulin are mixed in a vial at the time of manufacture itself.
That means 30% starts its action as soon as the insulin injection is taken by the patient and the blood sugar level is kept within normal range and its efficacy becomes less after a certain time. Then the 70% type starts its action and keeps the blood sugar level under control for 12 hours.( other types like 50-50 mixed and 70-30 mixed types are also available).
5. Analogue types: Changes are made in insulin by different methods, to suit the body needs of the patient. In these types the chances of occurring ‘’ hypoglycemia’’ (low glucose levels in the blood) and its effects on the bodily organs, is less.
Insulin Dose: Depending upon the glucose levels in the blood, the patient is given either short acting (when blood sugar levels are high) or long acting insulin injections (when the blood sugar level is less). For those estimations blood sugar tests are to be done whenever necessary.
