Life With Insulin

As a baby type 1 this insulin stuff is pretty new to me. At times, it can be overwhelming and even intimidating. Insulin is my life line now though, and my new best friend. So what am I doing about it? I am educating myself and I am working or at least trying to work it into my plan.

Life with insulin is a new life indeed. I have to worry about what I take, when I take it, how much of it I need, will it cover my meals, will my meal cover my insulin. I haven't really gotten the hang of carb counting and how to factor that into my insulin dosages yet, so that leads to a whole new set or worries...oh yippee!

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) has been an enemy of mine long before I was diagnosed. My sugar would usually spike and then crash a hour or so later. Mr. Hypo would come tapping on my shoulder bringing along the shakes, the sweats, dizziness, stomach cramps, nauseating hunger, headaches, blurred vision and sometimes fainting spells. Insulin introduces Mr. Hypo to me all over again, or at least the fear of him. Things like exercising, playing sports, sleeping and driving all come with a warning label.

As a college student I am beginning to wonder how is insulin and school going to mix. I took this semester off so I could get a better control over my health, but I am picking back up my classes in May. The stress of nursing school is also another thing I have to worry about. Stress is blood sugars enemy. The two don't get along at all, making control sometimes out of reach. I often take four or five classes a semester making some days impossible for me to eat lunch. Insulin without lunch is often a death wish, so I am trying to revise my plan. Before I know it I will have a whole new plan :)

So what is insulin? Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas. Scientist have been able re-create insulin for people like me. There are many forms of insulin. They include:

Prompt: Lispro and Humalog, this type of insulin takes effect about 15 minutes after injection.
Regular: Humulin R and Novolin R, this type of insulin takes effect about 30 minutes to a hour after injection.
Intermediate: Humulin and Novolin, This type of insulin takes effect about 2 to 4 hours after injection.

Not only are there several types of insulin but there are also different way to administer insulin. Syringe and vial (which is what I am currently using), insulin pens, and insulin pumps. One of my goals is to qualify for an insulin pump. It is my understanding though that you can not qualify for one until after a year of displaying good control of your diabetes. Boohoo! I want one now! During my year wait though I am making it a point to educate myself as much as possible on insulin pumps, the pros and cons. There are two companies out right now that have started the tubeless insulin pump and I have contacted both of these companies. I will be testing out there models over the next couple of weeks. I will keep you all updated on that, who knows...I may decide I don't want one after all.

Running on insulin
-Kimberlee