
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take in and use glucose. It is produced by the pancreas but can also be lab-made and prescribed by a doctor when the body does not make enough on its own. Insulin is safe to use during pregnancy as it does not cross the placenta and hence, cannot get to the baby.
There are different types of insulin that can be administered in different ways. Insulin can be administered through injections or an insulin pump. The injections can be done using a syringe or an insulin pen. The insulin types include short-acting insulin, rapid-acting insulin, long-acting insulin, and intermediate-acting insulin.
The insulin requirements may change during pregnancy, and the optimal treatment for pre-existing diabetes is unclear. Hence, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
--- | --- |
Insulin Type | Lispro U-100 and U-200, Insulin Aspart, Insulin Lispro, Insulin Glulisine, Insulin Isophane, Insulin Detemir, Insulin Glargine, Insulin Degludec, Inhaled Human Insulin |
Insulin Category | Insulin Lispro, Insulin Aspart, Insulin Lispro, Insulin Detemir, Insulin Glargine, Insulin Degludec, Inhaled Human Insulin are all category C agents. Insulin Regular, Insulin Aspart, Insulin Lispro, Insulin Isophane, and Insulin Detemir all carry a pregnancy category B. |
What You'll Learn
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas
There are different types of insulin available, which are classified according to how quickly and for how long they work on various parts of the body. Insulin is also administered in different ways, referred to as 'regimens'.
Insulin is a naturally occurring substance in the body, made by the pancreas. However, the insulin used in medicine is typically made in a laboratory. Insulin is used to help control blood sugar levels, particularly in people with diabetes.
Insulin is injected into the body's fatty tissue, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs. It is injected under the skin with a syringe or insulin pen. It cannot be taken as a pill or drink.
There are three types of diabetes:
- People who do not make insulin
- People who are resistant to insulin, and it does not work to keep their blood sugar under control
- Gestational diabetes
The major side effect of taking insulin is a possible low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia.
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Insulin helps control blood sugar
Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar. It is produced by the pancreas and acts like a key that opens the door to the body's cells. This allows sugar to move from the blood into the cells, where it is used for energy. During pregnancy, the body's insulin requirements may increase, and insulin injections may be needed to control blood sugar levels.
There are several types of insulin that can be used during pregnancy, including rapid-acting insulins, such as Aspart and Lispro, and intermediate-acting insulins, such as NPH. The choice of insulin depends on various factors, including the type of diabetes, previous control, age, dexterity, eyesight, and personal and cultural preferences.
Insulin injections can help keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range, reducing the risk of complications for both mother and baby. However, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels closely during pregnancy, as insulin requirements may change. Insulin injections may also cause side effects, such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or injection site soreness and lumps. Therefore, it is important to work closely with a healthcare team to determine the best insulin regimen and adjust doses as needed.
In summary, insulin plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels, especially during pregnancy when the body's insulin needs may change. By working with a healthcare team and carefully monitoring blood sugar levels, women can safely use insulin to manage their blood sugar during pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications.
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Insulin is injected into fatty tissue
The best places to inject insulin are:
- The abdomen, staying 2 inches away from the belly button.
- The arms or legs, if the abdomen cannot be used.
Other places to inject insulin include:
- The upper, outer area of the buttocks.
- The top and outer part of the leg, measuring one hand width down from the groin and one hand width up from the knee.
It is important to note that insulin should not be injected into the inner thigh or into scars, bruises, or sores. It is also important to rotate injection sites within one chosen area of the body.
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Insulin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take in and use glucose. It is produced by the pancreas, but the kind used to treat diabetes is made in a laboratory. Insulin is safe to use during pregnancy as it does not cross the placenta and cannot get to the baby. However, insulin can cause low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia, if there is not enough glucose in the blood for the body to function properly. This can be dangerous for both mother and baby, so it is important to recognise and treat it quickly.
Low blood sugar can be caused by skipping a meal, using too much insulin, or exercising more than usual. Warning signs include dizziness, sweating, shaking, and blurry vision. It is important to treat low blood sugar immediately by consuming a quick-sugar food, such as raisins, honey, or glucose tablets.
During pregnancy, insulin requirements may change, and it is important to monitor blood sugar levels closely and adjust the insulin dose as needed. The frequency, type, and timing of insulin injections will depend on the individual's needs and should be determined by a doctor. It is also important to rotate injection sites within a chosen area of the body to prevent soreness and hard lumps.
While insulin is generally safe during pregnancy, it is important to carefully monitor blood sugar levels and treat any episodes of low blood sugar promptly to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby.
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Insulin is safe to use during pregnancy
There are different types of insulin that can be used during pregnancy, including:
- Rapid-acting insulins: Aspart (Novolog) and Lispro (Humalog)
- Intermediate-acting insulin: NPH (Humulin N or Novolin N)
Insulin requirements may change during pregnancy, and the optimal treatment for pre-existing diabetes is unclear. Insulin is available in many forms, which affect how often and when the insulin is given. These forms vary in the time needed before the insulin has its effect, how long the effect may last, and whether it is made from animals or humans, which may be important personally or culturally.
The major side effect of taking insulin is a possible low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia. This can be treated with a quick-sugar food like raisins, honey, or glucose tablets or gel. Low blood sugar can be dangerous for both mother and baby , so it is important to do something about it right away.
It is important to note that insulin should be used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods and getting plenty of exercise.
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Frequently asked questions
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take in and use glucose. Insulin is made by the pancreas, but the kind used to treat diabetes is made in a lab. Insulin is injected under the skin with a syringe or insulin pen and cannot be taken as a pill or drink.
Insulin is safe to use during pregnancy as it does not cross the placenta, meaning it cannot reach the baby. However, insulin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) if there is not enough glucose in the blood for your body to work with. Warning signs of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, sweating, shaking, and blurry vision.
The following types of insulin have been deemed safe to use during pregnancy:
- Rapid-acting insulins: Aspart (Novolog) and Lispro (Humalog)
- Intermediate-acting insulin: NPH (Humulin N or Novolin N)
- Short-acting insulin: Humulin, Novolin
- Long-acting insulin analogues: Detemir, Glargine