Introduction

Today, millions of Americans are utilizing basal/bolus, or “intensive”, insulin therapy to manage their diabetes.  This can be accomplished through multiple daily insulin injections using syringes or pens, or the use of an insulin pump.  Regardless of the way insulin is given, the goal is to achieve the best glucose control possible with the fewest risks and the least amount of work imposed on the user.

Injections using: Syringes/pens Insulin pumps Goal Minimize risk Achieve glucose control

 

The Importance of Maintaining Glucose Control

Managing glucose levels has many important benefits. In the long-term, maintaining an average glucose that is close to normal reduces the risk of serious health problems such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, amputations and nerve disorders.

Reduce serious health problems Syringes/pens Insulin pumps Blindness Kidney failure Heart disease Amputations Nerve disorders

 

Benefits of Maintaining Glucose Control

In the short-term, keeping glucose within an acceptable range can improve one’s day-to-day quality of life. This includes having more energy, better physical performance, improved mental focus, and more stable moods.

More energy Improved physical performance Improved mental focus Stable moods

 

Challenges

One of the major challenges to achieving tight glucose control is the ever-present risk of low blood sugar, or HYPOGLYCEMIA.  Prevention of hypoglycemia is important for a number of reasons, including personal safety, weight control, avoidance of “rebound” high blood sugars, and short-term mental & physical impairment.

Important because: Personal safety Weight control Avoidance of “rebound” high blood sugars Mental & physical impairment