Examples
Insulin normally is made by the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach. The medication form of insulin replaces the insulin normally produced by the body. Insulin cannot be taken as a pill because stomach acid destroys insulin before it can enter the blood.
Insulin is categorized according to how fast it starts to work and how long it continues to work. The types of insulin available include rapid-, short-, intermediate-, and long-acting insulin. See types of insulin for more information.
Packaging
Insulin is packaged in small glass bottles that are sealed with rubber lids. One bottle holds many doses of insulin. It is also packaged in small cartridges used in pen-shaped devices (insulin pens) attached to disposable needles. Insulin bottles and cartridges are labeled with important information you should read.
How insulin is taken
Insulin usually is given as a shot under the skin. Some insulins can be given in a vein but this is only done in a hospital.
How It Works
Insulin reduces blood sugar levels by helping sugar (glucose) enter the cells to be used for energy. Sometimes women who have gestational diabetes need to take two types of insulin, usually a rapid- or short-acting and an intermediate-acting type. Long-acting insulins are not safe for use during pregnancy.
- The short-acting insulin reduces blood sugar levels quickly and then wears off.
- Some long-acting insulins start taking effect when rapid- or short-acting insulins begin to wear off.
- The combination of a rapid- or short-acting and intermediate- or long-acting insulin helps keep blood sugar levels within a safe range.
Why It Is Used
You will need to take insulin if changing the way you eat and getting regular exercise do not keep your blood sugar within a safe range. Keeping your blood sugar within a safe range is the best way to prevent problems from gestational diabetes such as a baby who grows too large or a baby who is born with low blood sugar. Usually, gestational diabetes goes away after your baby is born, and insulin is no longer needed.
People who have type 1 diabetes and some people who have type 2 diabetes also need to take insulin. For information on insulin for these types of diabetes, see the topics Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.
How Well It Works
Currently, insulin is the only medication that is recommended by the American Diabetes Association to treat women who have gestational diabetes.
Side Effects
The major side effect of insulin can be dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Very low blood sugar level can develop quickly (within 10 to 15 minutes). Low blood sugar can occur if you:
- Take too much insulin or if insulin is injected into a muscle instead of into fatty tissue.
- Skip or delay a meal or snack.
- Exercise too much without eating enough food.
- Drink alcohol, especially on an empty stomach. No amount of alcohol is considered safe to drink while you are pregnant.
- Take certain medications that can lower blood sugar. Some medications that you can buy without a prescription can affect blood sugar levels. Talk with your doctor about all your medications and their possible effect on blood sugar.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
What you need to know
Insulin treatment must fit your needs. Some factors that affect how fast and how well your insulin works include:
- Where the dose is given. If insulin is injected into a muscle instead of into fatty tissue, the medication will get into your system faster.
- How much insulin is given. Higher doses of insulin reduce the blood sugar level more than lower doses.
- What types of insulin are mixed together. Insulin's effects are felt more quickly when rapid-acting insulins are mixed with intermediate-acting insulins.
- Whether you have exercised before or just after taking insulin. If you have just exercised the muscles in the area where you give your insulin injection, the medication will get into your system faster.
- If you apply heat to the area. The medication will get into your system more quickly if you put a heat pack on or massage the area where you have just given your insulin injection.
Things to check
At least three drug companies manufacture insulin sold in the United States. You should use insulin from the same company each time.
Women who have gestational diabetes usually need to test their blood sugar level up to 6 times each day (before and 1 hour after each meal).
A bottle of insulin may not work well after 30 days. Label each insulin bottle the first time you use it and throw away any insulin you do not use after 30 days.
Insulin should be stored properly. If it is not, it may not work very well.
How to give insulin
To learn how to prepare and give insulin injections, see:
Preparing and giving insulin injections when you have gestational diabetes.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA Associate Editor Pat Truman Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD- Internal Medicine Specialist Medical Reviewer Lois Jovanovic, MD
- Endocrinology Last Updated January 12, 2006 Author:
Lois Jovanovic, MD - Endocrinology
