FAQ - Insulin Coma
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How does an insulin dependent travel with insulin on the train or plane?


There probably is a refrigerator on board, but he would need ice or ice packs when leaving the train or plane. Would they allow the insulin in the fridge because of liability reasons?
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I have flown many times and you must not put your insulin in your checked baggage for 2 reasons

1. because the Temperature In the baggage hold isn't really regulated and can vary to extremes
2. if they loose your bags you loose your insulin

you should carry it in your on board luggage and also carry enough strips, injections etc, also take your prescriptions, you will also need a letter from your dr stating that you are carrying sharps and medication. most airlines will not let you store in the fridge

i would advise the same for a train

you can buy Frio packs that you can carry the insulin in to keep them cool. you can store insulin out of the fridge for periods of time for travelling unless you are in a hot car or going to somewhere where it is really hot  (+ info)

What are different ways insulin is administered?


What are the different ways insulin is administered and I have heard things about taking insulin orally, but how does that work because won't our enzymes break it down before it reaches the blood stream?
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Insulin can only be administered through injection via subcutaneous fat or intravenously through an IV (most likely while hospitalized). Inhaled insulin was on the market for a short time but is no longer available. There is no such thing as oral insulin.  (+ info)

How much insulin can kill you if you are non diabetic? Would it be painful to die from an insulin overdose?


Im just wondering how much insulin would it require to kill you. I don't know much about it although my cousin is a diabetic. I am not a diabetic. How much insulin would it take? Would it be painful or would it just knock you out and you die.
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As far as dying, it would depend upon the amount & type of insulin. There are some slow-acting insulins that work over a 24-hour period. Then there are fast-acting insulins, some faster than others. Also, it would depend on how much of the insulin was injected.

I gave you that information, but I wouldn't tell you what would be a dangerous level. There is always the risk of someone else reading this. I wouldn't want to risk putting anyone in danger.

If someone thought that injecting insulin would be an easy way to die, they would be wrong. It doesn't just make you sleepy & knock you out & then kill you. You would have severe symptoms, starting with the shakes & then nausea & vomiting. Gradually, you would begin to have seizures & have chest pain. Eventually, you would go into a coma; but there is no guarantee that you would die. You could be left seriously brain damaged or suffer heart problems. You could end up in a coma or a vegetative state which means you can hear what's going on but can't move or speak. That would be a fate worse than death.  (+ info)

Metformin for Insulin Resistance in achieving weight loss: How long does it take to work?


I have been diagnosed with insulin resistance and have been prescribed 2500 mg metformin daily.

Many ppl with PCOS, metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance lose weight bc their insulin isnt working properly without the aid of metformin or the like. I have been on it for over a week and have not lost any weight.

I was wondering if anyone has experienced weight loss after a couple weeks, rather than immediately.
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Hello ,

one week is a very very short period for metformin to work , it needs two weeks to reach the maximum effect , and more than 1 month to cause any weight loss ,

The action of metformin is greater when the patient starts a healthy diet simultanously , don't forget that ,

2500 mg is a high dose to start with , and 1000 mg (in two doses ) would be better .

Dr.Debilitas  (+ info)

How long does insulin last in a syringe?


My mother and I use insulin and she is leaving to another state for 2 days. We use insulin from the same bottle. I was wondering if I could leave a few syringes with my insulin in the fridge so she can take the bottle with her. Thank you in advanced.
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yes, you can safely do that.  (+ info)

How cold does insulin have to be kept?


I'm planning a camping trip to eastern Europe with a diabetic. She tells me the insulin needs to be cold. I don't think they have ice available for sale like we do in America. Any ideas? Maybe a battery powered cooler?
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Print this off for your friend:

Frio is definately a better solution. You can find their products here at their website. It explains how they work.

http://www.coolerconcept.com/

Here's the USA site where you can buy whichever one you want.
http://www.frious.com/buy/

Insulin should never be frozen, it won't work if it has been. Electric coolers and ice packs can freeze insulin and then you have to toss it.

Insulin just needs to be kept cool, and away from heat sources. The Frio wallet is a great solution as you can use it anywhere that you have access to water, which is everywhere of course. It works by evaporation. Make sure its carried in such a way as to allow the water to evaporate, or it won't work as well.

I highly recommend this bag, as it has a mesh outside pocket for the frio wallet, which is exactly what is needed, plus it has the inside pockets for testing kit, spare needles, glucose tablets, etc.
http://www.coolerconcept.com/pages/vittravelcase.htm

You have to buy the Frio wallet that fits your needs, in addition to the Vitesse Travel case that it goes into, but the system is perfect for a diabetics needs.

Make sure you have a doctor's note regarding your testing kit, lancets, needles and insulin. Get a copy for boarding planes and a spare copy in case its misplaced. You should always carry a spare prescription too in case you lose your luggage or your carryon is stolen. Keep your insulin in your carry-on bag, or it could be frozen in the baggage compartment and ruined.

Carry a snack with you too, and some nuts. Airlines do not provide the best meals for diabetics. You are better off to order a low carb menu, than ordering diabetic. The diabetic menu is too carby. The low carb menu usually works out better. Carry some glucose tablets everywhere with you, and keep some nuts handy for protien and fat in case meals on board are late, or not enough food.  (+ info)

How many times can you reuse an insulin pen needle?


I am thinking about switching from the old fashioned insulin vial and syringes and getting on the disposable insulin pen, but am considering the economy of doing so.

I can use my regular syringes 3 or 4 times before disposing it. Can I do the same with the pen needles? Also, is the pen use better than the old fashioned way? I know its more convenient, but is it problematic?
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untill it dosent work anymore...

well thats what i do but you really shouldnt  (+ info)

What does a good concluding paragraph on insulin consist of?


I've done A LOT of research on insulin for my project. I've went into depth such as its history, what it is, what it does to the body (but not as in depth as chemical reactions, what insulin is composed of), how it has cured people, what is diabetes, what are the symptoms. What is a good concluding paragraph? What does it consist of? Any ideas? I don't expect a paragraph written for me, but I want ideas. Thank you!
*Sorry, first answerer is correct. My mistake. I know that and I have wrote it, just a mistake with the question.
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A concluding paragraph (or paragraphs -- two or three are often required) will consist of a summarization of the points you made, discussed, and expanded upon in the main body of your paper.

If you made six major points in the paper, then you should have two r three concluding paragraphs, with the ideas "grouped" in a logical manner.  (+ info)

What do I do with insulin pump and bloodsugar transmitter while on an airplane?


I'm getting ready to take a trip and am diabetic. What do I do with my insulin pump and transmitter while on the plane?
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I wear a pump and travel regularly with it. The airline security personnel have been trained to recognize the pumps in general. (Maybe not every model, but the type of unit it is). One screener told me that their training includes identifying medical devices (oxygen equipment, braces and prostetic limbs, hearing aids, speech modulators, etc.)

I usually wear my pump on my waistband, rather than concealed -- and as I pass through the security I point it out to the staff. In every case, they wave me right through. If you usually hide yours under clothing, consider wearing it visibly, at least as long as you're in the security area. Mine has never beeped the security tunnel, either.

Only one time I was asked to have it chemical-swabbed, out of 20+ flights. BUT, I'd switched schedules, and got the super-duper pat-down anyway, just for having a fresh ticket.

The transmitter (meter to pump) only has a small range, and isn't strong enough to interfere with airline electronics.

However, I do have a general letter from my doctor that I carry with my passport for international travel. It indicates that I am diabetic, I am carrying insulin and syringes in addition to the medically necessary pump and supplies. I have NEVER been asked to produce it or defend wearing the unit.

Since you've accustomed your body to receiving insulin on a regular schedule, you run more risk of trying to switch back to injections and manage your glucose levels, in any case.  (+ info)

What are the defects in insulin and effects on glucose metabolism?


For example: What’s gone wrong with insulin production and how does that affect the body’s ability to fuel itself with glucose (blood sugar)? Please explain for type 1 and type 2!
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Insulin is needed so that the cells can utilize the sugars in your blood for energy.
Type 1 is because your body does not manufacture enough or any insulin.
Type 2 is that your cells do not react correctly to the insulin and therefore do not use the sugar in the blood correctly. AKA Insulin resistant.

The pancreas stop producing insulin when the body's own immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Therefore, it is an autoimmune disease.
Destroyed cells will not ever make the hormone insulin again.

It has not been established yet, as to why this happens. However it is thought to be in connection with genes, though having the right gene is not enough.  (+ info)

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