How Is Insulin Used to Manage Diabetes?
CDC claims that more than 37 million people are affected by diabetes in the U.S. Some people don't produce insulin while others' bodies stop responding to insulin as it should. While oral medication is an effective way of managing the condition, insulin therapy is beneficial too. It's an effective way of keeping blood glucose levels in-check for people who have diabetes type I, but sometimes online doctors prescribe the drug to patients with diabetes type II as well.
Continue reading this blog to learn more about the uses of insulin.
What Role Does Insulin Play In the Body?
Our pancreas secrete insulin naturally, and its purpose is to control the amount of glucose present in the blood. But when a person develops diabetes type I, they have to resort to using synthetically produced insulin.
How Does Insulin Help Manage Blood Glucose Level?
When there's an absence of naturally occurring insulin, glucose in blood remains at an elevated level and increases the risk of paralysis, cardiac arrest and other medical conditions. When synthetic insulin is injected into the body, it helps the glucose molecules enter the cells, lowering the blood glucose levels.
There are several types of insulins, and nearly all of them work the same way; they help glucose molecules enter the cells.
What Happens If I Skip a Dose?
If you forgot to take a timely dose of insulin, you might have to inject rapid-acting insulin and get your blood glucose levels in order. Because if you don't, you're likely to experience drowsiness and thirst, along with an urgent need to urinate frequently.
Similarly, if you overdose, you might experience hypoglycemia. In serious cases, people also lose consciousness and experience seizures.
Does It Have Any Side Effects?
Because insulin alters the level of blood glucose in your body, it might come with some side effects too. They can include anything from gaining weight to experiencing constipation, and itchiness at the site of injection.
Other side effects may be serious, and if you feel them then discuss it with your virtual doctor immediately. The serious side effects are:
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Abrupt weight gain or weight loss
- Cramping in muscles and an elevated heartbeat
- Weakness and blurred vision
- Swollen Arms and legs
Are You Looking For an Experienced Online Doctor?
If you need help managing your diabetes, or are experiencing other medical conditions such as bronchitis, hypothyroidism, and allergies, get in touch with our skilled online doctors. At TelMD Care, we help patients by providing them with online consultation services. Our virtual doctors can help people with their ear infections, erectile dysfunction and numerous other medical conditions.
Book an appointment with us, or learn more about our services today.