Insuliinilääkitys

Insuliinilääkitys, known in English as insulin therapy, is a cornerstone treatment for diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. It is primarily used for type 1 diabetes, where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, and for some individuals with type 2 diabetes, whose bodies either don't produce enough insulin or don't use it effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy. When the body cannot produce or use insulin properly, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream.

Insulin therapy involves administering exogenous insulin to supplement or replace the body's natural production. This is typically done through injections using a syringe and needle, an insulin pen, or an insulin pump. Insulin is available in various formulations with different onsets, durations, and peak action times, allowing for tailored treatment regimens. Rapid-acting insulins are taken just before meals to control postprandial glucose spikes, while long-acting insulins provide a basal level of insulin coverage throughout the day and night.

The goal of insulin therapy is to mimic the body's natural insulin secretion as closely as possible, thereby maintaining blood glucose levels within a target range. This helps to prevent both short-term complications like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, heart disease, and stroke. Regular blood glucose monitoring is crucial for effective insulin management, allowing individuals and their healthcare providers to adjust insulin doses as needed based on diet, physical activity, illness, and other factors. Despite its effectiveness, insulin therapy requires careful management and can be associated with risks like hypoglycemia, weight gain, and injection site reactions.