Quick Tips for Type 1 Diabetes

Installment #1

What follows is a quick and dirty list of my top of mind quick tips.

1. At diagnosis, most persons with type 1 diabetes have lost 85-90% of their ability to produce insulin.

2. An open bottle of insulin should be discarded after 1 month.

3. Rapid-acting insulin starts working about 20 minutes after injection.

4. The honeymoon phase is defined by a total daily insulin dose of less than 0.5 units/kg/day.

5. A bottle of NPH insulin should be gently rolled at least 20-25 times before using.

6. Never freeze insulin: it destroys it.

7. If you see clumps inside the insulin bottle, throw it away.

8. When drawing a mixed insulin dose, always draw out the longest acting insulin first.

9. It is not necessary to aspirate an insulin shot.

10. Let the alcohol dry before injecting; it stings less.

After reading through the list, how did your knowledge compare? As always if you any questions or have a quick tip that you would like to share please let me know in the comments section.