Several types of insulin are available which act for different lengths of time. Short acting forms last about six hours; intermediate forms about 12 and long acting about 24 hours. These may be combined in injections which are given once or twice daily.
The amount of carbohydrate eaten should be regulated. Those who are overweight need smaller amounts than those who are thin. The intake of protein and fat usually does not need regulation.
In the past, sufferers were required to weigh most foods, but now we work in portions. Each portion of food contains 100 g of carbohydrate and lists are available showing how much of each food constitutes one portion.
Many obese diabetics whose disease develops late in life can manage well with diet alone, if they lose weight.
For others, tablets are available. These work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.
It is important for the diabetic to learn as much as possible about the disease so that he can assume responsibility for his own management. Children should learn how to give themselves the injections and not rely on their parents. An intelligent patient can learn when to vary his insulin dose and how to control his diet.
Many organisations conduct camps for diabetic children and these are of benefit in teaching the child how to manage without his parents and how to lead a normal life despite the diabetes.
Insulin (100 units in each 1 ml) comes in long, intermediate and short-acting forms and the syringe, which has a capacity of 1 ml, is calibrated in units.
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