Whether you've just been told you have to start taking insulin at mealtimes, or have been working to fit it into your life for some time, you likely have some questions or concerns.
After all, it may be hard to accept the news that your dosing regimen has changed, never mind knowing how to deal with it.
This article was designed to provide some basic information and emotional support to help make insulin at mealtimes work for you.
About insulin at mealtimes
You've been told you have to start taking insulin at mealtimes, but what exactly is insulin at mealtimes?
Insulin at mealtimes is a fast or rapid-acting insulin. It works in a similar manner to the insulin that the human body makes in response to a meal. Unlike long-acting insulin, which is usually taken once or twice a day, fast or rapid-acting insulin is typically taken multiple times a day, ideally right before eating.
For more information about insulin at mealtimes, click here.
Your feelings
You've probably been provided with a wealth of information about the medical side of your condition. But what about your emotions or concerns? It's also important to talk about how you're feeling.
The following are some common emotions associated with taking insulin at mealtimes that you may relate to (for more on typical feelings, click here).
Feeling Overwhelmed: You may be a little overwhelmed at the news that you have to add insulin at mealtimes to your therapy. Or maybe you're struggling to make it work for you.
Above all, give yourself time. It's a personal process. Remember to reach out to your healthcare team – your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or diabetes educator will help you get used to the routine that comes with having to inject insulin multiple times a day. You may also find that it helps to educate yourself so you can play an active role in making decisions about your health.
Feeling Alone: It's quite common to feel somewhat alone when you're trying to fit insulin at mealtimes into your life. After all, having to inject insulin multiple times a day can affect your life in ways that not everyone understands.
However, you are not alone. It might help you to reach out to a community of people who are going through the same challenges as you are. You may want to try finding virtual support groups on websites dedicated to those living with diabetes.
Feeling Guilt: The reality is that your condition is variable. And, while there are things that you can do to improve your overall blood sugar control, such as healthy eating and staying active, in some cases your doctor may determine that insulin at mealtimes is necessary. So try not to be too hard on yourself.
You may find that it helps to talk to someone: a counsellor, a friend or even someone in an online community who knows what you're going through.
Feeling Ready: Perhaps you're done thinking about insulin at mealtimes and are ready to talk to your healthcare professional about getting started. Congratulations on being ready to take the next step with your insulin therapy.
Adjusting to daily life
Some changes that come as a result of having to add insulin at mealtimes to your therapy are small and easy to make. Others can feel complex. Perhaps you're worried about knowing when to take your insulin, or how much or where to inject. Maybe you feel uncomfortable injecting at work or in a restaurant. Keeping the following resources in mind can help:
Your healthcare team: your doctor, pharmacist or nurse educator will work closely with you to help you learn when and how to inject your insulin. They'll also decide your dose, as well as when and how often to test your levels.
www.diabetes.ca: Diabetes Canada is a national charity organization committed to advocating for and supporting those living with diabetes. Their website offers a variety of educational resources to help you learn more about the different insulins at mealtimes and how to best use them. Attending their online workshops, conferences or peer support programs can help you to connect with others who are using insulin at mealtimes.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Fitting-Insulin-at-Mealtimes-into-Your-Life
