Managing Type 1 Diabetes: Your Complete Medication Guide

Understanding Insulin Therapy

Types of Insulin

Rapid-Acting Insulin

• Examples: Insulin aspart, insulin lispro, insulin glulisine
• Onset: 15 minutes
• Peak: 1-2 hours
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Usage: Taken with meals

Short-Acting Insulin

• Examples: Regular insulin
• Onset: 30 minutes
• Peak: 2-3 hours
• Duration: 3-6 hours
• Usage: Taken 30 minutes before meals

Intermediate-Acting Insulin

• Examples: NPH insulin
• Onset: 2-4 hours
• Peak: 4-12 hours
• Duration: 12-18 hours
• Usage: Often used as background insulin

Long-Acting Insulin

• Examples: Insulin glargine, insulin detemir
• Onset: 2 hours
• Peak: No pronounced peak
• Duration: Up to 24 hours
• Usage: Provides baseline insulin coverage

Administration Methods

Insulin Delivery Devices

1. Insulin Pens
2. Traditional Syringes
3. Insulin Pumps
4. Smart Insulin Pens

Additional Medications

Complementary Treatments

• Pramlintide for post-meal glucose control
• GLP-1 receptor agonists (in specific cases)
• Metformin (in cases of insulin resistance)

Storage and Safety

Proper Storage

• Store unopened insulin in refrigerator (36-46°F)
• Keep opened insulin at room temperature
• Protect from extreme temperatures
• Check expiration dates regularly

Safety Considerations

• Rotate injection sites
• Monitor for hypoglycemia
• Keep glucose tablets or fast-acting sugar available
• Wear medical identification

Emergency Preparedness

Essential Supplies

• Extra insulin
• Backup delivery devices
• Testing supplies
• Emergency glucagon kit