What should you know about insulin for type 2 diabetes?

A clinician may suggest it when the pancreas is no longer producing enough insulin, when other treatments are not meeting your agreed goals, or for a temporary period during illness, pregnancy or another major health change. Starting insulin is a medical decision based on readings, symptoms, medicines and overall health.

Insulin helps glucose leave the bloodstream and enter cells for energy. Different insulin types work at different speeds and for different lengths of time. Your prescription should state which insulin to use, how much, when to take it and how to respond to a missed dose.

The main safety concern is glucose falling too low. Hypoglycaemia may feel like sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, a fast heartbeat or confusion. Kidney problems, changing meals, alcohol, extra activity and illness can alter insulin needs.

Ask for a demonstration before your first injection and practise checking the dose, choosing a site and disposing of needles. Rotate injection areas as taught, store insulin according to its label and check the appearance before use. Never share insulin pens or needles.

Check glucose at the times your care team recommends and write down readings, meals, activity and symptoms when patterns are unclear. Keep your treatment instructions with you. Arrange regular reviews so doses can reflect changes in appetite, weight, medicines, kidney function or daily routine.

Seek emergency help for a seizure, collapse, severe confusion, inability to swallow or a low glucose episode that does not improve with your prescribed rescue plan. Get urgent assessment for vomiting, deep or rapid breathing, severe dehydration or extreme drowsiness with high glucose.

A cut or blister on the foot that becomes red, hot, swollen, painful or draining needs prompt review. Diabetes can make foot problems harder to notice, particularly with Peripheral Neuropathy or reduced circulation.

Which insulin am I using and what is its action time? What are my personal glucose targets? What should I do if I miss a dose, eat less than planned or become ill? How will we review my injection technique and dose?