Life has become faster, smarter and most probably better. And along with it comes the fast spreading life-style diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 90 percent of people around the world who suffer from diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes which is a result of our changing life-style. The body cannot produce enough insulin to control the high glucose level in blood which finally affects multiple organs and create larger complicacies.
But every problem in life has a solution and so does diabetes. The best possible way to control diabetes is by providing enough insulin to the body. Although injecting insulin on a regular basis was the most common method, recent developments have presented us better and safer devices which are more accurate and easier to manage. This article will tell you about the alternative modes available which will help you to control diabetes in a smarter way and also help you to save time.
The Alternatives:
Insulin Pens- “A pen is mightier than a sword” and an insulin pen is better than a syringe. Insulin pens are a less painful method of insulin delivery. It allows the user to turn a dial and select the required dose of insulin which gets injected under the skin by a fine disposable needle fitted by the user at the tip of the pen before the use.
They are generally available in two types-
The disposable pens
The reusable pens.
Both the forms are gaining popularity as
• They are portable and easy to handle.
• Saves time.
• Allows selection of accurate dose.
Mostly used in United States, it can gain popularity across the world due to its convenience.
Insulin Pumps- This is the best available method for the super busy people. The pump allows insulin delivery throughout the day according to a customized plan made for the particular patient. The pump is generally a very small device worn across the waist. The insulin is delivered via a soft tube set inserted into the tissue beneath the skin and the infusion set is changed after every 3-4 days. Often glucose monitors are attached to the pump which automatically calculates and recommends insulin doses required for a meal or to correct a post-meal high.
The system is gaining popularity as
• It allows precise dosing.
• It allows flexibility of meal time and amount.
• It maintains the basal (normal level throughout the day) and bolus (dose needed at the meal time) level.
Injection Ports- At times multiple doses a day is needed and it often leads to multiple punctures in the skin. Using an injection port can be an easier alternative to the problem. It includes a soft cannula that is inserted into the skin. The syringe never touches the skin and medication is directly delivered in the subcutaneous tissue. The result is a painless, comfortable way of drug delivery. The port is changed after a few days.
This is a good alternative of insulin delivery as
• Multiple doses a day causing multiple punctures on the skin can be avoided.
• It s painless and comfortable. So is convenient for the kids and the elderly.
• It can be used during normal activities including showering, bathing and exercising.
Injection Aids- Most of the diabetic patients across the world take their daily doses themselves or with the help of some family members and most of them are not medical-experts. There are a few tricky parts involved in injecting that often makes the process complicated for the daily users in a daily basis. The injection aids just make the injecting process easier and convenient.
A few common aids available are
• Bottle holder with syringe guide- This enables change of bottle without removing the syringe.
• Syringe and vial magnifier- This allows to magnify the markings which allow better visibility. Also at times light is provided with the device which helps to see the calibrations and air bubbles present.
• Auto-injectors- A spring loaded injection is present which allows inserting the injection by pushing a button. So the problems that arise due to unsteady hands can be easily avoided.
Before using any of these….
These alternative modes are safe and convenient only if the patient is aware of his or her needs and which mode of medication is the best suited. It is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor before taking up any of these practices. Good knowledge about dealing with the appliance is a must. Regular monitoring of glucose level, consulting the doctor and a better managed food-habit and life-style is required along with any of the described methods to keep the problem under control.
The Future of “Alternative modes of Diabetes control”
With the spread of the disease across the world, researches are becoming popular for continuous insulin delivery and monitoring the blood-glucose level. Safer methods are expected to come up in near future which will be very much accessible and convenient for people across the world. Diabetes can be kept under control only if it better understood and dealt with better ease and comfort.
Finally I would like to end this article saying that prevention is better than cure. Although all these sound very convenient, the best option still available is not being affected by this disease. Try to healthy and fit in the first place. Stay diabetes-free, stay happy.
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