Differnt types of Insulin, and ways to mange diabeties

[steveman45]

Another question from me:P, i have been reading around latley, and have found many differnt types of insulin,and insulin pumpsm etc. all with there pro's,and cons.  If possible, could someone please explain to me the differnt types of insulin, and ways of managing diabeties, and the pros and cons of them. I know thats asking alot, but it would be greatly appriciated

[JDRF-Team-cd]

Steve, here is what I know about insulins and insulin pumps.  Please consult your doctor for more details:
Insulins:
Novolog (aspart),onset 5-10 mins, peak 1-3 hrs, duration 3-5 hrs
Humalog (lispro), onset <15 mins, peak .5-1.5 hrs, duration 2-4
Regular, onset .5-1 hour, peak 2-3 hrs, duration 3-6 hours
NPH, onset 2-4 hrs, peak 4-10 hrs, duration 10-16 hours
Lente, onset 3-4 hrs, peak 4-12 hrs, duration 12-18 hours
Ultralente, onset 6-10 hrs, peak ----, duration 18-20 hours
Lantus (glargine), onset 1.1 hour, peak ----, duration 24 hours

There are also several mixes but not usually used for Type 1.

Insulin pumps: (all basically the same and wonderful and contain bolus calculators and "insulin on board" features). Insulin pumps use Humalog or Novolog insulin.
Medtronic 512 and 712 - works with a blood glucose meter that sends results directly to the pump by radio frequency
Deltec Cozmo - works with a blood glucose meter attached to it
Animas - has several great features

With an insulin pump you need to monitor blood glucose more frequently and be connected to the pump 24/7 but quality of life much improved over injections.  Also, better blood sugar results and A1cs possible.

With Lantus insulin, there are no peaks so less hypoglycemia and you don't have timed meals and snacks.  You usually take one shot per day and use Humalog or Novolog for meals.

For my son, Humalog and Novolog work basically the same.  There are also insulin pens with Humalog and Novolog for convenience.

I hope this helps.

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

Hi Steveman,
Here's a site that shows the "action" of different types of insulin; by that I mean it shows the onset, peak & normal duration of each type of insulin.
http://diabetes.about.com/library/blbasics/bl_insulin_action_chart.htm

A useful way to think about "what types of insulin are good for me,"  is to remember that we all need both long-acting (basal) and short-acting (bolus) insulin.  When you talk to your doctor about lifestyle issues s/he can  help you tailor a diabetes treatment plan that most closely matches your preferences.  Important considerations include diet/food patterns (are you a nibbler or do you like a few big meals), activity/exerice, blood testing commitments (1-2 times a day? 5-6 times a day?), and -- quite frankly, your budget & insurance situation.  

Some treatment options are not covered by all insurers and are very expensive to manage without insurance.

This site has many references to insulin pump (and pen) websites. If you scroll down, you'll see the websites for major pump mfgs and even a comparison page.
http://insulin-pumpers.org/links.shtml

You know the recommendation here.  Keep up your research, learn a lot, and then, armed with information & questions, talk with your endo and CDE (certified diabetes educator) to customize your DM management.  You can also expect that your needs will change over time as you move thru stages in life and as you acquire new interests and activities ... and, of course, as technology & research advances our abilities to care well for ourselves.