Insulin to Treat Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Teens

Overview

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose (sugar) in our blood enter cells in our muscles, fat, and liver, where it is used for energy. When we eat, our blood glucose levels rise, and our pancreas releases insulin to lower those levels and keep them in the normal range.

Insulin is crucial for the management of diabetes, especially Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This type of diabetes commonly occurs in childhood.
Children with Type 1 diabetes need insulin because their bodies do not produce enough or any insulin on their own. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells to provide energy, which can lead to serious health complications.
Insulin is used to treat Type 1 diabetes in children because it helps regulate blood glucose levels and allows glucose to enter cells for energy. It is typically administered through multiple daily injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), also known as an insulin pump.

Using insulin as a treatment for Type 1 diabetes in children has several benefits, including:

Improved blood glucose control: Insulin helps keep blood glucose levels within a normal range, reducing the risk of high or low blood sugar episodes.
Reduced complications: Properly managing blood glucose levels with insulin can help prevent long-term complications associated with diabetes, such as retinopathy (eye problems), nephropathy (kidney problems), amputations, coma, and even death.
Increased treatment satisfaction: Some studies have shown that children using CSII have reported higher treatment satisfaction compared to multiple daily injections.

It is important for children with Type 1 diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team to determine the right type and dosage of insulin for their specific needs. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and adjustments to insulin doses may be necessary to ensure optimal management of diabetes.

How to Use Medication

There are different ways to take insulin, and the method you choose may depend on your lifestyle, insurance plan, and personal preferences. It is important to talk with your doctor about the options and determine which one is best for you.

Here are some common ways to take insulin:

Needle and syringe: This is the most common method of taking insulin.
With a needle and syringe, you can give yourself insulin shots.
You draw up your dose of insulin from a vial or bottle into the syringe and inject it into your body.
It is recommended to inject insulin in your belly for the fastest effect, but your doctor may suggest alternating injection spots to avoid tissue hardening.
Insulin pen: An insulin pen is a device that looks like a pen and contains pre-filled insulin cartridges.
It is a convenient way to administer insulin, especially when you're on the go.
You simply dial the dose on the pen and inject it into your body.
Insulin pump: An insulin pump is a small machine that be programmed to deliver specific amounts of insulin throughout the day based on your needs. There are two types of pumps:
The pump with tubes is worn outside the body and connected to a small plastic tube with a needle that is inserted under the skin.
The pump without tubes attaches directly to the skin with an adhesive pad. T pump can be programmed to deliver specific amounts of insulin based on your needs.
Inhaler: This is an alternative method for taking insulin.
You breathe powdered insulin into your mouth using an inhaler device.
However, this method is only approved for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and is less common than other methods.

It is important to note that taking insulin requires monitoring your food intake, activity level, and blood sugar levels. While insulin is generally safe, there are potential side effects and precautions to be aware of:

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a common side effect of taking too much insulin, skipping meals, being more physically active than usual, or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or in excess. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
Dizziness
Sweating
Hunger
Shakiness
Confusion
Fast heart rate
Blurred vision
Tingling in feet or hands
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes
Anxiety
Irritability
Slurred speech

If you experience severe symptoms of low blood sugar or have concerns about it, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Other side effects related to insulin injections can include:
Itching and swelling at the injection site
Skin buildup or breakdown at the injection site (lipodystrophy)
Weight gain
Constipation
In rare cases, severe side effects can occur such as low blood potassium levels (which can cause weakness, muscle cramps, constipation, and tiredness), serious allergic reactions (with symptoms like fast heartbeat, rash covering the body, trouble breathing), severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or heart failure. If you experience any severe side effects or have concerns about them, it is important to call a healthcare professional right away.

Remember to always discuss any concerns or questions about using insulin with your healthcare professional. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and medical history.

Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your healthcare professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your healthcare professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.