Tools
Devices for Taking Insulin
Today, most people who take insulin to manage diabetes inject the
insulin with a needle and syringe that delivers insulin just under
the skin. Several other devices for taking insulin are available,
and new approaches are under development.
Insulin pens can be helpful if you want the convenience of carrying
insulin with you in a discreet way. An insulin pen is a device that
looks like a pen with a cartridge. Some pens use replacable cartridges
of insulin; other pen models are totally disposable. A fine, short
needle, similar to the needle on an insulin syringe, is on the tip
of the pen. Users turn a dial to select the desired dose of insulin
and press a plunger on the end to deliver the insulin just under the
skin.
Insulin jet injectors send a fine spray of insulin through the skin
by a high-pressure air mechanism instead of needles.
External insulin pumps connect to narrow,
flexible plastic tubing that ends with a needle inserted just under
the skin near the abdomen. The insulin pump is about the size of a
deck of cards, weighs about 3 ounces, and can be worn on a belt or
carried in a pocket. Users set the pump to give a steady trickle or "basal" amount
of insulin continuously throughout the day. Most pumps today have
the option for setting several basal rates. Pumps release "bolus" doses
of insulin (several units at a time) at meals and at times when blood
glucose is too high based on the user's programming. Frequent blood
glucose monitoring is essential to determine insulin dosages and to
ensure that insulin is delivered.
Approaches Under Development
Implantable insulin pumps are surgically implanted, usually on the
left side of the abdomen. The pump is disk shaped and weighs about
6 to 8 ounces. It delivers a basal dose of insulin continuously.
Users deliver bolus insulin doses with a remote control unit that
prompts the pump to give the specified amount of insulin.
An advantage of this method is that, like insulin produced naturally
from the pancreas, the insulin from the pump goes directly to the
liver to prevent excess sugar production there.
The insulin patch, placed on the skin, gives a continuous low dose
of insulin. To adjust insulin doses before meals, users can pull off
a tab on the patch to release insulin. The problem with the patch
is that insulin does not get through the skin easily.
The inhaled insulin delivery system provides insulin as a dry powder
inhaled through the mouth directly into the lungs where it passes
into the bloodstream. This aerosol delivery system is about the size
of a flashlight and uses rapid-acting insulin.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases, National Institutes of Health Publication date: February
2000
Amazon.com
Books For Training, Exercise And Diabetes
Links
A Child In Your Care Has Diabetes: Handbook http://www.henhousepress.com
So a child in your care has diabetes...pick up this
collection of information written by Elisa Hendel, M.Ed.
Fast, easy information at your fingertips about schools,
sports, and your every day necessary info to manage
life with diabetes.
Active.com http://www.Active.com
The site to use if you need to find an athletic event
near you to participate in.
All Seasons Gear http://www.allseasonsgear.com
GREAT techSOX and Schampa Techincal Gear for running,
walking, hiking, motorsports, skiing and MORE!!!
Diabetic Youth Foundation http://www.dyf.org
Supporting children, teens and families affected by
diabetes through recreation and education. Residential
summer camp and year-round programs including ski trips,
family camps, surf camps and more.
Factual Diabetes http://www.factualdiabetes.org
Understanding is the key to performance. Types 1 and
2: background, control and complications. Noncommercial.
JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes http://www.ride.jdrf.org
Learn about getting involved in the greatest charity
rides on the surface of the Earth for the most important
goal.
Jayhewitt - Ironman, Triathlete, Type 1 Diabetic http://www.jayhewitt.com
Ironman triathlete with Type 1, member of U.S. National
TEAM USA competing at Long Course Triathlon World Championship,
racing, training, nutrition and speaking information.
Novo Nordisk US http://www.novonordisk-us.com
Novo Nordisk US is dedicated to finding innovative,
socially responsible solutions for the prevention and
management of diabetes. They founded the World Diabetes
Foundation, and are the first company to develop technologies
using recombinant DNA for diabetes treatment.
Riding On Insulin http://www.ridingoninsulin.com
Information about snowboarding and professional snowboarder
(and type 1 athlete) Sean Busby. Check back for snowboard
camps near you.
Running On Insulin http://www.RunningOnInsulin.com
Type 1 diabetic, Tom Kingery is attempting to acquire
141 donations for each mile of the 140.6 mile Florida
Ironman to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation.
Sports kids.com - Sports Coaching, Kids Superstore,
sporting http://www.sportskids.com/
Sports stuff for kids and families. Kids' site offering
coaching tips for various sports.Sporting goods, kidsmusic,
sports coaching tips, Kids clothing Stores and more.
Team Diabetic http://www.teamdiabetic.org
Promoting A Healthy Lifestyle To Control Diabetes. A
cycling team that promotes the awareness of diabetes.
Contact: Eric Marquez
TypeONEgear.com http://www.typeONEgear.com
Diabetes Awareness Merchandise - live out loud! Tshirts,
hats, carrying cases and more! A portion of the proceeds
benefit JDRF and Diabetes & Wellness Foundation
Vinnie Santana http://www.triathlondiabetes.hpg.com.br
Vinnie Santana, a Brazilian Ironman Athlete doing great
things.
Date Submitted: 5/16/2003
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