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Effects of Insulin – Dr. Yogesh Gosavi

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Arya Gosavi
Effects of Insulin – Dr. Yogesh Gosavi

To open a lock, the appropriate key is required. The lock restricts any movement in and out of the door without the proper key. This illustration shows what happens in diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone produced and released by the pancreas. It is the key that unlocks the door to your cells and allows blood glucose (sugar) to enter. This is how blood sugar can be properly used as energy. However, if you have diabetes, your body may be unable to handle this procedure on its own. You may need to use insulin as a regular medicine to control your blood glucose levels.

There are several different forms of insulin to choose from. They work at various rates and are injected at various intervals throughout the day. Rapid-acting insulins such as lispro (Humalog), intermediate-acting insulins such as human insulin (Humulin N), and long-acting insulins such as glargine (Lantus) are some examples.

However, insulins all serve the same purpose: to lower blood glucose levels. They also have comparable interactions and side effects.

 

 

 

1. Low blood glucose

Insulin is intended to lower blood glucose levels, although its effects can be stronger than necessary at times. The most common insulin adverse effect is low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). This occurs when your blood glucose level falls below 70 mg/dL.

A low blood glucose level might cause any of the following symptoms:

·       Shakiness

·       Sweating

·       Dizziness or lightheadedness

·       Confusion

·       Fast heartbeat

·       Hunger

If you have any of these symptoms, you should immediately check your blood glucose. If it is less than 70 mg/dL, apply the "15-15 rule." This means you should have 15 g of quick-acting carbs. This could consist of 3 to 4 glucose tablets, 12 cup fruit juice or ordinary soda, or 1 tbsp sugar.

Then, after 15 minutes, recheck your glucose. If it is still less than 70 mg/dL, repeat the procedure. If you haven't responded to fast-acting carbs at this point, or if your glucose level is less than 55 mg/dL, seek emergency medical attention.

It is critical to take the correct dose of insulin to avoid diabetes.

Consult your healthcare practitioner about changing your insulin units to keep your blood glucose levels within the usual range. This range is typically 80 mg/dL to 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL 2 hours after a meal. Finding the proper dose may require some trial and error as well as gradual dose modifications.

2. Injection site reactions

Consult your healthcare practitioner about changing your insulin units to keep your blood glucose levels within the usual range. This range is typically 80 mg/dL to 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL 2 hours after a meal. Finding the proper dose may require some trial and error as well as gradual dose modifications.

Furthermore, injection site reactions are usually not a cause for worry. They are a transient issue that should resolve on their own. To alleviate some of the pain, apply an ice pack, a warm compress, or take an anti-itch drug such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

To reduce the chance of this reaction, rotate the injection site and bring the insulin to room temperature before injecting. It can be more uncomfortable to inject insulin when it is chilly.

 

3. Weight gain

Insulin can contribute to weight gain. When insulin assists your cells in absorbing excess glucose from your blood, that glucose is turned into fat. This finally improves your body's usage of its sugar supply, but it can contribute to weight gain.

People with diabetes who use insulin can gain an average of 4 pounds (2 kilogrammes) in the first year. To avoid this type of weight gain, combine insulin with a diabetes-friendly diet and regular exercise. These lifestyle adjustments can also help with blood glucose management and overall diabetes control.

If you notice that you've gained weight after taking insulin, consult your doctor for more advice on lifestyle adjustments.

4. Headache

Headaches might occur after starting or altering your insulin dose. While low or high blood glucose levels might cause headaches, a significant fluctuation in blood glucose levels could also be the cause.

A headache may not necessitate immediate medical attention, but it is an essential side effect to be aware of. To relieve pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). However, headaches will normally improve if you become accustomed to insulin and your blood glucose levels stabilise.

If your headaches continue or get worse at any stage, there could be another explanation. Consult your doctor about determining the source of the headache and treating it.

5. Lipodystrophy

Lipodystrophy occurs when the body's fat distribution is disrupted. Insulin can produce two types of lipodystrophy: lipoatrophy (fat loss or pits in the skin) and lipohypertrophy (fat expansion or thickened skin). When this happens, it usually manifests itself at the site where the insulin was administered.

To avoid lipodystrophy, it is critical to rotate your injection site. Injecting into areas of aberrant fat distribution can potentially have an impact on blood glucose management. Another reason why switching injection sites is essential for healthy and safe insulin administration.

6. Swelling in your arms and legs

Insulin can cause your body to retain sodium and fluid, which is referred to as edoema. Excess fluid retention can have a negative impact on your arms and legs in particular.

This is an uncommon insulin side effect that normally resolves on its own. For short-term relief, your healthcare professional may recommend lifestyle adjustments such as raising your legs above the level of your heart and minimizing salt in your diet.

However, if these suggestions do not work or if your edema persists, your healthcare practitioner may modify your dose or consider starting a diuretic ("water pill").

When should I notify my healthcare practitioner about insulin side effects?

Many of the negative effects of insulin resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the drug. Discuss this with your healthcare physician if your side effects do not improve within a few weeks or intensify. They may be able to change the type of insulin or adjust the dose to better meet your needs.

Insulin is a life-saving drug. Do not discontinue insulin on your own without first consulting with your healthcare physician.

Dr. Yogesh Gosavi is the famous Sugar Specialist Doctor in Nashik. He has wide years of experience in Diabetology and Consultant Physician.

At Shree Venkatesh Hospital, Dr. Yogesh Gosavi provides advanced and high-tech treatment for diabetes, Cardiologists, and is also the best diabetes doctor in Nashik.


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