### Understanding Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps your body store and use carbohydrates from food. In type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't use insulin effectively, and your pancreas can't produce enough to compensate. This may lead to the need for insulin therapy to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range, which is crucial for your overall well-being and to reduce the risk of complications like blindness, kidney disease, amputations, and heart attacks or strokes. If your doctor recommends insulin, it's important to start treatment promptly to avoid high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). The need for insulin often increases with the duration of diabetes, especially after 10 years. While many start with oral medications, insulin therapy may eventually become necessary. Insulin can be used alone or with other diabetes treatments. It's not available in pill form because it would be destroyed by the digestive system. Instead, it must be inhaled or injected. Currently, there's one type of inhaled insulin in the U.S., which is rapid-acting and taken before meals. Long-acting insulin, which lasts 20-24 hours, must be injected. There are various types of insulin: - **Rapid-acting insulin**: Takes effect in about 15 minutes, used at mealtime or to correct high blood sugar. - **Short-acting insulin**: Takes about 30 minutes to take effect, longer-lasting than rapid-acting. - **Intermediate-acting insulin**: Lasts 10-16 hours, used to maintain a steady insulin level throughout the day. - **Long-acting insulin**: Lasts 20-24 hours, taken once per day. Your doctor will help determine the best type for you, which may include a combination of basal (background) and bolus (mealtime) insulin. Premixed insulins are also available. While insulin therapy can benefit many with type 2 diabetes, it carries risks like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can be treated by consuming a high-sugar item. Other risks include discomfort from injections, potential weight gain, and rare infections at the injection site. Your healthcare team will guide you on how often and when to take insulin, which can be administered using syringes, insulin pens, or pumps. They will also teach you how to inject insulin and dispose of used equipment safely. Insulin can be stored at room temperature for about a month or refrigerated for longer storage. Consult your healthcare provider for more advice on storing insulin. Insulin therapy can help manage blood sugar levels effectively. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor and learn how to store and inject insulin safely.