Injection Therapy

With the help of your health care team, you can find an insulin routine that will keep your blood sugar near normal, help you feel good, and fit your lifestyle.

People diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes usually start with two injections of insulin per day of two different types of insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes generally progress to three or four injections per day of insulin of different types. The types of insulin used depend on the individual's blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that three or four injections a day give the best blood sugar control and can prevent or delay the eye, kidney, and nerve damage caused by diabetes.

Most people with Type 2 diabetes may need one injection per day without any diabetes pills. Some may need a single injection of insulin in the evening (at supper or bedtime) along with diabetes pills. Sometimes diabetes pills stop working, and people with Type 2 diabetes will start with two injections per day of two different types of insulin. They may progress to three or four injections per day.