6 ways to Give Yourself Insulin - Method1: Monitoring Your Blood Glucose Levels

Nearly three million people in the United States use insulin to treat either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In people with diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to manage the carbohydrates, sugars, fats, and proteins in your diet. The use of insulin in people that suffer from type 1 diabetes is an absolute necessity in order to sustain life. Many people with type 2 diabetes often reach a point where medication, diet, and exercise, are not enough to control blood sugar levels, and begin a regimen that includes insulin administration. The correct administration of insulin takes a solid understanding of the type of insulin you are using, your method of administration, and a commitment to follow recommended safety precautions to prevent harm or injury. Consult with your doctor for a thorough demonstration before attempting to administer insulin.

1 Check your blood glucose level. Follow the same procedure each time to check and document your blood glucose levels.

§  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them with a clean towel.

§  Insert a test strip into your blood glucose meter device.

§  Use your lancet device to obtain a small drop of blood from the fleshy part of your finger.

§  Some newer devices can obtain a droplet from other areas such as your forearm, thigh, or fleshy areas on your hand.

§  Refer to the user manual to proceed properly according to the way your device works. Most devices are spring loaded that help to reduce the pain of pricking your skin.

§  Allow the blood droplet to contact the test strip at the indicated place either before or after it is inserted in the meter, again depending on the way your device works.

§  Your blood glucose level will appear in the window of your device. Record your blood glucose level on your log, along with the time of day you checked it. 

2 Keep a log. Checking your blood glucose is the primary tool for both you and your doctor to use in determining the most appropriate dose of insulin you need.

§  By keeping a log of your blood glucose levels, and other variables such as alterations in your diet or additional injections prior to meals or special events where you will consume sugary foods, your doctor can help to improve the control of your diabetes.

§  Take the log with you to each appointment for your doctor to review.

3 Compare your level to the target range. Your doctor or diabetic healthcare provider advise you on the targets for your blood glucose levels specific to your condition.

§  General target ranges include 80 to 130mg/dl if taken before a meal, and less than 180mg/dl if taken one to two hours after a meal.

§  Remember that monitoring your blood glucose levels are extremely helpful in tailoring your overall treatment plan, but they are not a judgment of how well you are taking care of your condition. Do not let the results frustrate you.

§  Talk to your doctor if your levels are consistently higher than recommended so you and your doctor can adjust your insulin dose accordingly.