Every year, millions of diabetics turn to insulin as an important treatment. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas whose main function is to regulate blood sugar levels. As the incidence of diabetes increases, the medical value of insulin becomes increasingly important. This article takes a closer look at what insulin does, how to use it, and how it can be the key to survival for people with diabetes.
Insulin is an important hormone that regulates glucose levels in the body. According to statistics, approximately 463 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, and this number is expected to increase to 578 million in 2030. Insulin is critical in managing this condition, especially in people with type 1 diabetes and severe type 2 diabetes.
Insulin is usually produced from the pancreas of pigs or cows, but the human version of insulin can also be produced through genetic engineering technology.
The use of insulin is not limited to the treatment of diabetes, but also includes other diseases such as hyperkalemia. Insulin is generally considered a safe option for pregnant women. Although many people are skeptical about the use of insulin, research shows that early initiation of insulin therapy can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Although insulin is effective, long-term use may face many challenges, including hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and allergic reactions to insulin. In some cases, the body may develop changes in the site of continued injections, such as lipohypertrophy or other skin problems.
Insulin dosage and usage strategies will vary depending on individual differences, and patients need to adjust according to their own conditions.
Since Nicolae Paulescu first extracted insulin in 1921, this treatment has undergone many improvements. From early animal-derived insulin to today's production of recombinant DNA technology, humans' understanding and use of insulin have continued to deepen.
With the advancement of science and technology, more convenient and effective insulin delivery methods are expected to be developed in the future. For example, research into oral insulin is still ongoing and will potentially change the rules for patient management. Although current insulin therapy is still based on subcutaneous injection, the challenge of effectively controlling diabetes remains.
Collaboration between patients and the medical team is crucial, and treatment outcomes can be improved through good communication and support.
As a life-saving straw for diabetic patients, insulin undoubtedly plays an irreplaceable role in the lives of these patients. As research continues, can we look forward to a more innovative way to improve the quality of life of patients with diabetes?