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| Diabetes Self Management > Patient Self Management |
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Insulin Therapy
The goal of insulin replacement therapy in people with diabetes is to mimic normal pancreatic function as closely as possible. Because of the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic β cells that occurs in type 1 diabetes, exogeneous insulin replacement is necessary from the time of diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance and a relative insulin deficiency that progresses over time, making it more challenging to determine when and how insulin therapy should be initiated. This article will focus on insulin types, options for insulin delivery, insulin therapy, and insulin self-administration in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
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Blood Glucose Monitoring Overview
Blood glucose monitoring is an important component of diabetes self management for patients using insulin and insulin secretagogues, although the optimal use of SMBG among other patients with diabetes is still being studied. Blood glucose monitoring allows patients to determine the presence of and treat glycemic fluctuations. Innovations in glucose monitoring technology include smaller monitors, monitors that allow for testing in a variety of different locations, monitors that do not require test strip insertion at every use, and continuous monitoring devices. With all of these tools, motivated and educated patients can better manage their disease.
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