Insulin for Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin for Type 1 Diabetes
With Type 1 diabetes, there is a lack of insulin production by the
pancreas. This condition necessitates insulin replacement therapy. Children
who have increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, and
unexplained weight loss may have symptoms of this condition. Type 1
diabetes occurs in children as a result of an autoimmune process in
which the immune system targets for destruction, special cells in the
pancreas called islet cells. The insulin produced is secreted into the
bloodstream. When insulin is not produced in adequate amounts, sugar
builds up in the bloodstream. This can lead to complications that may
affect the heart, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys, if blood sugar levels
are not controlled.
Treatment of type 1 diabetes in childhood consists of regularly monitoring
blood sugar, insulin therapy, healthy diet, and adequate exercise.
There are a variety of insulin therapies available for the treatment of
type 1 diabetes. Insulin lispro (Humalog) and insulin aspart (NovoLog)
are rapid-acting. Regular insulin, such as human insulin (Humulin R,
Novolin R) begins working within 30 minutes. Intermediate-acting insulin,
such as NPH insulin (Humulin N, Novolin N), begins working within
2 to 4 hours. Insulin glargine (Lantus) provides an effect for up to 24
hours.