Explore injectable solutions for diabetes with Meri Sehat. Ensure availability and effective management for better health.

Diabetes And Injective Availability

Insulin can be injected subcutaneously using syringes, insulin pens, or insulin pumps.

Introduction

<div style="border:none #d9d9e3 1.0pt; padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/diabetes-type-1-and-2">Diabetes</a> is a long-lasting health problem where the sugar in your blood stays at high levels. 
&nbsp;
</div>

<h5>Type 1 Diabetes</h5>

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body&#39;s defense system mistakenly harms the cells in the pancreas responsible for making insulin. As a result, the body is unable to produce insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.

<ul>
	<li>Onset: Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in children, adolescents, or young adults.</li>
	<li>Treatment: The primary treatment for type 1 diabetes is insulin replacement therapy - insulin injections or insulin pumps. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Type 2 Diabetes</h5>

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body develops insulin resistance and the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

<ul>
	<li>Onset: It is more common in adults, but children and adolescents can also be affected.</li>
	<li>Treatment: It usually entails a change in lifestyle (diet, exercise, weight management), oral medications, and, in some cases, insulin therapy. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Gestational Diabetes</h5>

Gestational diabetes develops when hormonal changes during pregnancy cause insulin resistance. The pancreas may be unable to produce enough insulin to meet the increased demand, resulting in high blood sugar levels.

<ul>
	<li>Onset: It usually appears during pregnancy and disappears after childbirth.</li>
	<li>Treatment: Managing gestational diabetes involves dietary adjustments, physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring. In some cases, insulin may be required. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Other Types Of Diabetes</h5>

Some of these include:

<ul>
	<li>Monogenic Diabetes: It is caused by mutations in a single gene. Examples include maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) and neonatal diabetes. In some cases, insulin injections may be used.</li>
	<li>Secondary Diabetes: It is caused by other medical conditions, such as certain hormonal disorders, medications, or diseases affecting the pancreas. Injectable medications may be used, but their use will depend on the specific situation and the primary condition involved. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Each type of diabetes requires specific management and treatment strategies. If you suspect you have diabetes or have been diagnosed with it, it&#39;s important to consult a doctor. Regular monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and, if necessary, medication are key components of diabetes management. 
&nbsp;

Understanding Injectable Treatments For Diabetes

Injectable medications are an important component of diabetes management. They may be used when oral medications or other treatments fail to manage blood sugar levels or need

There are two main categories of injectable medications used to treat diabetes: insulin and non-insulin injectable medications. 
&nbsp;

<h5>1. Insulin</h5>

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels by allowing cells to take in glucose for energy. It&#39;s commonly used in the treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is also considered safe for use during pregnancy and is often the preferred choice when medications are needed to treat gestational diabetes. 
&nbsp;

Insulin is available in various formulations, each with a different onset, peak, and duration of action.<a href="#accordion">[2][5]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Rapid-Acting Insulin</li>
</ul>

These insulins start working quickly, often within 15 minutes, and last a few hours.

Usually taken at the start of a meal to control post-meal blood sugar spikes.

<ul>
	<li>Short-Acting Insulin</li>
</ul>

This type of insulin starts working quickly and has a relatively short duration of action compared to other types of insulin.

Usually taken at least 30 minutes before meals.

<ul>
	<li>Intermediate-Acting Insulin</li>
</ul>

These insulins have a slower onset of action and a longer duration of 12-24 hours.

Usually taken in the morning and at bedtime.

<ul>
	<li>Long-Acting Insulin</li>
</ul>

Long-acting insulin provides a steady insulin release, usually lasting up to 24 hours. It helps maintain basal (baseline) insulin levels between meals and during the night.

Usually taken once daily, or both in the morning and at bedtime.

<ul>
	<li>Mixtures Of Insulin</li>
</ul>

You can sometimes mix different types of insulin together in one syringe. Example, intermediate-acting and rapid-acting insulin. But not all insulins can be mixed.

You can also opt for premixed insulin solutions available at pharmacies. The insulin will start working as fast as the fastest-acting insulin in the mix. Moreover, it will last as long as the longest-acting insulin in the combination.

<ul>
	<li>Availability</li>
</ul>

Insulin is widely available and is a crucial treatment for people with diabetes. You can get it from pharmacies if you have a doctor&#39;s prescription. 
&nbsp;

The following injectable medications are available in Pakistan:

<ul>
	<li>Insulin aspart (e.g., NovoRapid)</li>
	<li>Insulin glulisine (e.g., Apidra)</li>
	<li>Insulin lispro (e.g., Humalog, Admelog)</li>
	<li>Insulin regular (e.g., Humulin-R)</li>
	<li>Insulin NPH (e.g., Humulin-N)</li>
	<li>Insulin glargine (e.g., Lantus, Basagine, Toujeo U-300)</li>
	<li>Insulin detemir (e.g., Levemir) 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>2. Non-Insulin Injectable Medications</h5>

In addition to insulin, there are certain non-insulin injectable medications used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. These medications work through various mechanisms to improve insulin sensitivity, decrease glucose production by the liver, and slow down carbohydrate absorption.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

<ul>
	<li>GLP-1 Receptor Agonists</li>
</ul>

These medications stimulate the release of insulin, suppress glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), and slow down gastric emptying, leading to lower blood sugar levels. They are administered through subcutaneous injections and are often used in conjunction with oral medications.

<ul>
	<li>Amylin Analogs</li>
</ul>

These medications mimic the hormone amylin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.

<ul>
	<li>Availability</li>
</ul>

These non-insulin injectable medications are also available with a prescription from healthcare providers. They have become more widely used as additional treatment options for type 2 diabetes management. 
&nbsp;

The following injectable medications are available in Pakistan:

<ul>
	<li>Exenatide (e.g., Byetta)</li>
	<li>Liraglutide (e.g., Victoza, Saxenda)</li>
	<li>Dulaglutide (e.g., Trulicity)</li>
	<li>Semaglutide (e.g., Ozempic, Rybelsus) 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Important!</h5>

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases around the world, and insulin is an absolute requirement for those with type 1 diabetes. Further, insulin is necessary for type 2 diabetes patients.

According to a recent cross-sectional study surveying the availability and affordability of insulin products in Pakistan, insulin is still unaffordable in both the government and private sectors. As such, the country is still not meeting the WHO&rsquo;s benchmark of 80% for insulin availability, contributing to nearly 3.87 million people losing their lives during the 2010&ndash;2025 period. 
&nbsp;

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is responsible for making and updating the National Essential Medicine List (NEML), registering both locally manufactured and imported drugs, licensing the drug-manufacturing units, and fixing the maximum retail prices of all drugs marketed in Pakistan. Short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin are currently part of Pakistan&rsquo;s NEML.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a> 
&nbsp;

It&#39;s important to note that availability can vary depending on factors such as:

<ul>
	<li>Location</li>
	<li>Type of diabetes</li>
	<li>Healthcare system</li>
	<li>Specific regulations</li>
	<li>Individual health and preferences 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

If you or someone you know is inquiring about the availability of diabetes treatments, it&#39;s recommended to work closely with your healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your medical history, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

As medical research and treatment options continue to evolve, new medications and therapies may become available for diabetes management. 
&nbsp;

It&#39;s important to follow your healthcare provider&#39;s guidance and receive proper training on how to administer injections safely and effectively. 
&nbsp;

Here are some general steps that may apply to injectable medications for diabetes:

<ol>
	<li>Gather supplies, including medication, syringe, pen device, alcohol swab, cotton ball, and a sharps disposal container.</li>
	<li>Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them using a clean towel.</li>
	<li>Prepare the medication. If you&#39;re using a pen device or prefilled syringe, check the label to make sure you have the correct medication and dosage.</li>
	<li>Choose an injection site. The abdomen, thighs, or upper arms are typically recommended. Rotate injection sites to avoid tissue irritation.</li>
	<li>Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Allow the area to dry completely before proceeding.</li>
	<li>Prepare the injection device. Some devices may require priming (releasing a small amount of medication) before the injection.</li>
	<li>Administer the injection. Follow your healthcare provider&#39;s recommendations for injection techniques.</li>
	<li>Withdraw the needle. Be cautious to avoid accidentally sticking yourself with the needle.</li>
	<li>Apply pressure and dispose of the needle. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Remember, specific instructions for administering injectable diabetes medications may vary based on the type of medication and your healthcare provider&#39;s recommendations.

Always consult your healthcare provider and seek proper training before administering any injectable medication. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Important!</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Keep a record of your injections, including the date, time, dosage, and injection site. This can help you track your medication usage and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.</li>
	<li>Attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your diabetes management and discuss any changes or concerns.</li>
	<li>Make sure you have 2 bottles of the type of insulin you use on hand. You do not need to store them in the refrigerator. It&rsquo;s all right to store them at room temperature (not above 80 &deg;F) for a month. Just be careful to keep it out of direct sunlight.</li>
	<li>Store insulin pens as instructed on the package.</li>
	<li>Also, always check before using it. Short-acting, rapid-acting, and some long-acting types must be clear. Besides, other forms that may look cloudy should not have clumps in the bottle. Do NOT shake the bottle before using it.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Insulin can be injected subcutaneously using syringes, insulin pens, or insulin pumps.</li>
	<li>Various types of insulin are available, including rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulins, to mimic the body&#39;s natural insulin production and regulate blood sugar levels.</li>
	<li>GLP-1 receptor agonists or incretin mimetics stimulate the release of insulin, suppress glucagon secretion, slow down gastric emptying, and promote satiety. Examples include exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and semaglutide.</li>
	<li>It&#39;s important to note that the choice of medication and treatment plan is individualized based on factors such as the person&#39;s medical history, blood sugar levels, lifestyle, preferences, and other medical conditions.</li>
</ul>

[1] Non-insulin treatment for diabetes: Oral and Injectable Drugs. Medical News Today. Accessed August 17, 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323109#injectable-medications.

[2] Grey H. Types of insulin chart: Duration, comparison, and more. Healthline. May 10, 2022. Accessed August 17, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/insulin-chart.

[3] Saeed A, Lambojon K, Saeed H, et al. Access to insulin products in Pakistan: A national scale cross-sectional survey on prices, availability, and affordability. Frontiers.

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