Which insulins are cloudy in appearance

The pump is pre-programmed by the user and their health professional to automatically deliver small continual amounts of insulin to keep blood glucose levels stable between meals. Individuals can instruct the pump to deliver a burst of insulin each time food is eaten, similar to the way the pancreas does in people without diabetes.

The insulin pump isn't suitable for everyone. If you're considering using one, you must discuss it first with your diabetes healthcare team. The cost of an insulin pump is generally covered by private health insurance for people with type 1 diabetes a waiting period applies. Insulin is injected through the skin into the fatty tissue known as the subcutaneous layer.

It shouldn't go into muscle or directly into the blood, as this changes how quickly the insulin is absorbed and works. Absorption of insulin varies depending on where in the body it is injected.

The abdomen absorbs insulin the fastest and is used by most people. The upper arms, buttocks and thighs have a slower absorption rate and can also be used. Variation in insulin absorption can cause changes in blood glucose levels. Insulin absorption is increased by:. Used syringes, pen needles, cannulas and lancets must be disposed of in an Australian Standards-approved sharps container, which is puncture-proof and has a secure lid.

These containers are usually yellow and are available through pharmacies, local municipal councils and state or territory diabetes organisations such as Diabetes Victoria. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can damage insulin so it doesn't work properly. There are various insulated insulin carry bags such as FRIO available for transporting insulin. Keeping a record of your blood glucose levels helps you and your healthcare professional to know when your insulin dosage needs adjustment.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can increase your risk of heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. Diabetes and the build-up of glucose sugar in the blood can cause serious complications if left untreated.

Good foot care and regular check-ups can help people with diabetes avoid foot problems. Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears when the pregnancy is over. Many parents worry when their child with diabetes starts or returns to school. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only.

Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.

All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Home Diabetes. Diabetes and insulin. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Diabetes Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Gestational diabetes Insulin for diabetes Starting on insulin Types of insulin Insulin injection devices Insulin injection sites Factors that speed insulin absorption Factors that delay insulin absorption Disposal of used insulin syringes Insulin storage Insulin safety Record your blood glucose levels and insulin doses Where to get help.

Diabetes Diabetes mellitus diabetes is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition where the body loses its ability to produce insulin, or begins to produce or use insulin less efficiently, resulting in blood glucose levels that are too high hyperglycaemia. Type 1 diabetes Type 1 diabetes develops when the cells of the pancreas stop producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes develops when the pancreas does not make enough insulin and the insulin that is made does not work as well as it should also known as insulin resistance.

Insulin for diabetes Insulin is a hormone our body makes to keep our blood glucose levels within the normal range. Starting on insulin People with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin every day, often up to 4 or 5 times per day. They will teach you about: the type and action of your insulin how, where and when to inject insulin how to rotate injection sites where to get your insulin and how to store it safely how to manage low blood glucose how to keep a record of your blood glucose levels and insulin doses who will help you to adjust insulin doses.

Types of insulin Insulin is grouped according to how long it works in the body. The 5 types of insulin are: rapid-acting insulin short-acting insulin intermediate-acting insulin mixed insulin long-acting insulin.

Rapid-acting insulin Rapid-acting insulin starts working somewhere between 2. Short-acting insulin Short-acting insulin takes longer to start working than the rapid-acting insulins. Intermediate-acting insulin Intermediate-acting and long-acting insulins are often termed background or basal insulins.

The intermediate-acting insulins are cloudy in nature and need to be mixed well. One injection can last up to 24 hours. It is usually injected once a day but can be taken twice daily.

Toujeo glargine insulin — this insulin has a strength of units per ml so is 3 times the concentration of other insulin in Australia. It is given once a day and lasts for at least 24 hours. It should not be confused with regular Lantus which has a strength of units per ml.

Toujeo is given for safety by a disposable pen only. Toujeo gives a slower, steadier glucose profile especially during the night. It is usually injected twice daily. Although these insulins are long-acting, they are clear and do not need mixing before injecting. Mixed insulin Mixed insulin contains a pre-mixed combination of either very rapid-acting or short-acting insulin, together with intermediate-acting insulin. Note In Australia, the strength of the above insulins is units per ml.

Insulin injection devices Different insulin delivery devices are available. Insulin syringes Syringes are manufactured in unit 0. Insulin pens Insulin companies have designed insulin pens disposable or reusable to be used with their own brand of insulin. The needle should be inserted at a 90 angle. This fold should be maintained throughout the injection and for five to 10 seconds afterwards, then remove the needle. If insulin becomes accidentally frozen or exposed to extremes of high temperatures it should be discarded, as it will no longer be effective.

Insulin and all injection equipment should be kept out of reach of children. Monitoring blood glucose levels People who require insulin are also required to monitor their blood glucose levels. Specific targets for blood glucose level vary and are influenced by the individual circumstances. The aim of education and training for people with diabetes is to provide information, and to teach skills. This will enable them to develop the knowledge to self-manage their diabetes and allow them to make informed choices.

Pickup J, Williams G. The Textbook of Diabetes. American Diabetes Association. Insulin administration. Diabetes Care ; sup. A guide to insulins and devices, , Dublin, Eli Lilly 4. Novo Nordisk. Diabetes, Insulin and Devices. Aventis Pharma Ltd. Insuman Human Insulin. Guidelines for diabetes care, a desktop guide to type 1 diabetes mellitus.

International Diabetes Federation. World of Irish Nursing, Vol. November Rita Forde gives an overview of the developments in insulin administration Diabetes mellitus is a complex, multi-system disease, which results in an alteration in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Insulin analogues: These are rapid-acting insulins. Once injected, the insulin onset is almost immediate. Intermediate acting insulins contain added substances buffers that make them work over a long time and that may make them look cloudy. When these types of insulin sit for even a few minutes, the buffered insulin settles to the bottom of the vial. But insulin glargine and insulin detemir are clear liquids not cloudy.

Long-acting insulins are typically given once a day but may be given twice a day. If a long-acting insulin is used instead of an intermediate-acting insulin, it may prevent severe drops in blood sugar level in the middle of the night. Ultra long-acting insulin doses should only be adjusted once every 4 days.

Missed doses may be taken when you remember if at least 8 hours have passed since the previous dose.

Mixtures of insulin can sometimes be combined in the same syringe, for example, intermediate-acting and rapid- or short-acting insulin. Not all insulins can be mixed together. For convenience, there are premixed rapid- and intermediate-acting insulin. The insulin will start to work as quickly as the fastest-acting insulin in the combination.

It will peak when each type of insulin typically peaks, and it will last as long as the longest-acting insulin.

Examples include:. Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated Healthwise. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. All rights reserved.