Diabetes - Supporting Self-Injection

If you are currently suffering from diabetes, then you are probably aware of the important role insulin plays in treating this disease. Insulin, which is normally created by your pancreatic cells known as islet cells, helps your body manage your blood glucose levels. It functions by transporting the sugar from your bloodstream into your cells so it can be used as fuel. Now, if your body is unable to make enough insulin, or if it loses the ability to effectively use the insulin secreted by your pancreas, then you may have to get a daily dose of insulin injections to control your blood glucose level.

Without adequate insulin that can transport sugar into the cells so it can be converted into energy, the sugar remains in your bloodstream and result in extremely high blood glucose readings. Furthermore, if your cells no longer have a steady supply of sugar to convert into energy, then your body will start using fats and muscles for fuel. The problem with this is that it produces a by-product called ketones, which can poison your system, thus causing coma and sometimes even death.

Ensuring that you have enough usable insulin in your bloodstream is an essential part of treatment for diabetes. It is also essential for controlling your blood glucose levels and for preventing the build-up of harmful ketones in your body. This is why your doctor will most likely prescribe daily insulin injections to help your body metabolize sugar effectively and reduce the risk for complications that are usually associated with diabetes. Adult patients are expected to administer these insulin injections on their own. However, there are many people who balk at the thought of self-injection. In these cases, a healthcare professional may provide the necessary support for self-injection.

Support for self-injection is given by first assisting the patient such that his fear of injection is eliminated or at least greatly reduced. This is achieved by encouraging the verbalization of the specific fears regarding the injection of insulin. The assisting healthcare professional will then convey a sense of empathy and identify which particular supportive coping techniques are needed. Once the patient is ready to try self-injection, the healthcare professional should explain and demonstrate the procedure thoroughly.

The assisting healthcare professional should take a step-by-step approach in helping the patient master the technique of self-injection and overcome any leftover fears he may still have. The patient should also be given enough time to handle the insulin and syringe so that he becomes familiar with and less fearful of the equipment. Proper instruction on how to fill the syringe should also be given once the patient shows signs of being confident enough to administer the injection by himself. Lastly, the healthcare professional should review the dosage and time of injections in relation to the activities, meals, and bedtime of the patient.

What is perhaps most important is for the patient to understand the importance of insulin for the treatment of his condition and the advantages of self-injection, especially where convenience is concerned. After all, the key to effective treatment of diabetes lies in your own hands.