Insulin is a hormone produced by our pancreas. It allows glucose (the most basic fuel for any cell) to enter the cell and give it energy to carry out normal bodily functions.

Why do people need it?
In people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin. So, the type 1 diabetic will need insulin shots to use glucose. People with type 2 diabetes make insulin, but their bodies don't make enough of it and don’t respond well to it. Some people with type 2 diabetes need diabetes pills or insulin shots.

What are the effects of little or no insulin?
Insulin helps the body use glucose for energy. Without the insulin, the glucose can't move into the cells, which raises the blood glucose level. High blood glucose levels can lead to some of the following:

• Blurry vision
• Thirstiness
• Tiredness
• Frequent urination
• Organ damage

How is insulin taken?
Insulin cannot be taken as a pill.  It must be injected into the fat under your skin for it to get into your blood. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are more than 20 types of insulin sold in the United States.

Use our Blood Sugar Tracker to monitor your daily blood sugar trends.

blood-sugar-tracker.pdf