Insulin Therapy as Replacement

In type 1, the body makes little or no insulin. So insulin must come from outside the body.

Why? The immune system destroys beta cells, the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This happens slowly, one cell at a time, over months to years.

A close-up of the pancreas shows six round beta cells giving off small insulin dots. Immune cells move in between them and ring four of them, then those four are gone and little insulin is left. Last, an insulin pen gives insulin from outside the body.

Insulin reaches the body in two common ways. One is an injection, which is a shot given with a needle. The other is an insulin pump, a tool that delivers insulin.

Pens and pumps are two examples of delivery tools. Both exist, and your care team chooses which one fits your plan.

A doctor sets how much insulin you get, which is called the dose. The doctor also sets when you take it. Those settings are adjusted over time.

Insulin replaces the missing hormone. It does not change the condition itself, so insulin is still needed.

Your doctor is the best person to ask about your dose.

Key takeaways

• Type 1 means the body makes little or no insulin, so insulin comes from outside.
• Insulin is given by injection or pump, chosen together with your clinic.
• A doctor sets the dose and timing, and adjusts them over time.

Try it

Write down how you get your insulin, pen or pump, and who on your team sets your dose.