Type 1 Diabetes and Children

The Function of Insulin

Insullin is a hormone made by the pancreas.  One of the functions of insulin is to allow glucose to enter the body cells, causing the blood sugar level to decrease.  Insulin taken by someone with diabetes is created in a laboratory.  At this time, insulin can ony be given by injection. 

Care of Insulin

• Unopened bottles need to be stored on a refrigerator shelf, not the door, and are good until the expiration date. 
• Do not freeze insulin.
• Opened bottles can remain out of the refrigerator but must be kept below 86 degrees.
• Opened vials need to be discarded 28 days after opening.  Date the vial when opened.
• Do not use a vial if it freezes or gets to warm.
• Do not use vial if the bottle has a frosty coating on the inside or looks lumpy or yellow.

Types of Insulin

There are many types of insulin on the market. It is extremely important to know the exact brand name and type of insulin that is prescribed beacause each type of insulin acts differently.  Here are some types of insulin and a few facts about them.

Humalog & Novolog    

• Fast acting insulin
• Starts working in 15 minutes.
• Peaks 30-90 minutes                                                                          
• Lasts 3-5 hours

NPH and Lente

• Slow acting insulin
• Starts working in 1-2 hours
• Peaks 6-10 hours
• Lasts 12-24 hours

Regular

• Starts 30-60 minutes
• Peaks 2-4 hours
• Lasts 6-8 hours

Ultralente

• Starts 4-6 hours
• Peaks Variable
• Lasts 24-36 hours

Lantus

• Starts 1-2 hours
• Peaks none
• Lasts 24 hours

Insulin Dose Requirements as Your Child Grows

Insulin doses may need to be changed as often as 1-2 times a week.  Growth, stress, surgery, activity and schedule changes are all reasons that doses must change.  Changing insulin doses is an ongoing activity.

If you have not had your plan management classes, you will need to discuss these changes with your endocrinologist, as well as any changes that occur in your child's life.