There are different brands of insulin that are available but in each brand there are two different kinds of insulin that are used to control juvenile diabetes. One is known as fast-acting insulin – once it is injected it acts quickly in your child’s system. The other type of insulin is called slow-acting or last-lasting and as the name implies it is in the child’s system longer.
For most people with diabetes a combination of the two types of insulin is required. They can be mixed together in one syringe or they can be taken separately at different times in the day. In children, the two different kinds of insulin will still react at different times for each individual.
For some the fast-acting insulin will begin to work immediately and could be used up in a short period of time. In this case, they may have to have a second or even third injection of fast-acting insulin throughout the day. These are the children who may want to consider an insulin pump to reduce the number of injections they are having in a day. An insulin pump will also provide them with a steady amount of the fast-acting insulin as they need it.
The long-acting insulin sits in a child’s body for some time before it is put to use. The amount of time is going to vary by child. Ideally, once the fast-acting insulin has done its work, the long-acting insulin will take over keeping a steady supply of insulin.
The combination of the two insulins and how they work together makes planning very important. After some time you will be able to determine how your child reacts to each of the different kinds of insulins. Planning meals and activities around how the insulin works is important not just when the injection is given.