Type 1 Diabetes
The immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells. Insulin replacement is essential.
Diabetes Care in Pasadena
Insulin Therapy
Physician-guided insulin therapy and personalized diabetes management.
Book Your AppointmentA Milestone in Modern Medicine
Insulin’s clinical introduction in the early 1920s transformed diabetes care. Banting and Macleod received the 1923 Nobel Prize for its discovery; Best and Collip also made essential contributions.
Today, insulin remains an essential treatment when the body cannot produce enough of this hormone.
What Is Insulin?
Insulin is a peptide hormone made by pancreatic beta cells. It helps glucose enter cells for energy and regulates glucose storage and release by the liver.
Type 2 Diabetes
The body becomes resistant to insulin and may eventually produce too little. Some patients need insulin alongside other care.
Your Insulin Plan
The right plan depends on diabetes type, glucose patterns, medications, meals, activity, kidney and liver function, and personal goals.
Insulin should be used only for a medical indication under clinical supervision. It is not recommended for fitness or physique enhancement because it can cause dangerously low blood sugar.
Types of Insulin
Products differ in how quickly they act and how long their effects last. Follow your prescribed product and schedule.
Rapid-Acting
Generally used around meals or to correct high glucose according to a prescribed plan.
Short-Acting
Starts working less quickly than rapid-acting insulin and may be used with meals in selected plans.
Intermediate-Acting
Provides insulin coverage for part of the day or night.
Long-Acting
Provides background, or basal, coverage over an extended period.
Premixed Insulin
Combines insulin types in fixed proportions. Timing and meal planning depend on the product.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Reviewing glucose patterns helps your clinician assess response and reduce the risk of high or low blood sugar.
Glucose Tracking
Your plan may include finger-stick checks or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), along with HbA1c testing.
Between-Visit Support
When appropriate, Remote Patient Monitoring can help the team review shared glucose readings. Eligible patients may receive Chronic Care Management.
Practical Adjustments
Discuss nutrition, activity, illness, travel, injection technique, and storage. Change treatment only according to your clinical plan.
Monitoring and care-coordination services do not replace urgent or emergency care.
Low Blood Sugar: Know Your Plan
Hypoglycemia can cause shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness, weakness, confusion, or a fast heartbeat. Symptoms vary.
Severe confusion, seizure, or loss of consciousness is an emergency. Call 911. Follow your prescribed emergency plan, including glucagon if available. Do not give food or drink to someone who cannot swallow safely.
Ask for a written low-blood-sugar plan and teach someone close to you how to help. Review prevention, glucose checks, and when to contact your care team.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Bring your medication list and recent glucose readings or CGM reports.
Review and Set Goals
Discuss medical history, prior results, current challenges, and individualized glucose targets.
Learn the Practical Steps
Review injection technique, timing, storage, sharps disposal, and your monitoring and hypoglycemia plan.
Medication & Pharmacy Standards
Use the exact insulin product and supplies prescribed, obtained through a licensed pharmacy.
Check the Product
Confirm the insulin name, concentration, device, and instructions. Ask your pharmacist before substituting products or changing how you administer them.
Follow Storage Instructions
Storage and in-use time limits vary by product. Follow the label and pharmacy instructions; avoid freezing and excessive heat.
Insulin Therapy FAQs
Why might insulin be recommended?
Insulin may be needed when the body produces too little, other medications are insufficient, or illness and other circumstances change glucose needs. The decision is individualized.
What is basal versus mealtime insulin?
Basal insulin provides background coverage between meals and overnight. Mealtime insulin helps manage the rise in glucose after food. Some people need both.
Does starting insulin mean I failed?
No. Diabetes changes over time. Insulin replaces or supplements a hormone your body needs; using it is not a personal failure.
Can a CGM help?
A CGM shows glucose trends and may help identify patterns related to meals, activity, and medication. Your clinician can discuss whether it suits your needs.
What if my glucose is low?
Follow your written hypoglycemia plan. Severe confusion, seizure, or unconsciousness requires emergency help. Review the safety section above.
Can insulin be combined with other medications?
Yes, when prescribed appropriately. Combination treatment may require adjustments and closer monitoring to manage risks.
How should I store insulin?
Follow the exact product’s label and pharmacy instructions. Refrigeration requirements and time limits after opening differ.
How often will I need follow-up?
It depends on glucose stability, recent changes, and hypoglycemia risk. New or adjusted plans generally require closer monitoring.
Build a Clearer Diabetes Care Plan
Review your glucose results, medications, and next steps with our medical team.
Book Your AppointmentImportant Information
This information is educational and does not replace medical advice. Insulin selection, dosing, and monitoring require individualized guidance. Do not change your medication outside your prescribed plan. Read more about low blood glucose safety from NIDDK.
