The type and dosage of insulin you need depends on the characteristics of your disease. Your daily insulin regimen may include one or two types of insulin. For instance, mixing two types of insulin is more imitative of the normal insulin secretion by the body. Short-acting insulin (Regular, Insugen R) insulin can be taken upon immediate requirement, as at mealtime. Long-acting insulin (NPH, Insugen N) can be taken as a substitute for the normal basal insulin secretions. There are different types of insulin regimens that can be prescribed by the doctor, such as single dose, mixed dose, premixed single dose (Insugen 30/70 or Insugen 50/50), split dose, split premixed dose and intensive insulin therapy. The last regimen is ideal for people with both types of diabetes. Maintaining the blood sugar level at the optimum level is the best way to reduce the risk of grave complications associated with diabetes.

Intensive Insulin Therapy involves regular monitoring of your blood sugar frequently, using a combination of insulin doses, adjusting them as prescribed by the doctor. This therapy is cumbersome to some patients but is more ideal to have good control of blood sugar level. Two methods for implementing intensive insulin therapy are multiple daily injections and insulin pumps. Insulin is available in two concentrations:

• 40 Unit which should be injected with a 40 Unit syringe (which has calibrations till 40 and the cap is red/pink)
• 100 Unit which should be injected with 100 Unit syringe (which has calibrations till 100 and the cap is orange.)

Consultations can remove your unnecessary fears and doubts, if any. You may consult someone who is already taking insulin and knows what it is like to take insulin. Your doctor or diabetes educator could be the best person to answer your questions. Knowledge will make things easier for you. Your diabetes healthcare team can help. The team may also include a dietitian, a footcare specialist, eye care specialist, endocrinologist and psychologist.