Q. Sometimes my blood sugar is too high 2 or 3 hours after a meal. Can I take Humalog insulin to lower it even though I will not be eating food?

A. Diabetes is a common metabolic disease that impairs the body's ability to use carbohydrates from the diet for the body's fuel supplied to muscles and organs. It can result from lack of insulin production from the pancreas or ineffectiveness of the insulin produced. Type 1 diabetes refers to the lack of insulin, requiring insulin shots to be given. (Current research may soon lead to other ways of delivering insulin such as an inhaler or nasal spray).

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the insulin produced is ineffective at getting glucose into the cells. This is usually treated with oral medication (pills) that make the cells more responsive or cause greater insulin production. The goal in either case is to try to normalize blood sugar in order to delay or prevent the serious consequences such as heart disease, stroke, eye or kidney failure. In addition to medication, careful attention to diet, exercise, and weight control are extremely important. Any adjustment in medication should be done under the supervision of your doctor to assure a safe and healthy outcome!

HELPFUL WEBSITES:

http://www.diabetes.org/

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/diabetes.htm

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