What is an Insulin Reaction?

A medical phenomenon that happens only when the blood sugar levels fall into a low point is referred to as insulin reaction. It is also classified as insulin shock, pertaining to a medical condition called hypoglycemia. Once it worsens, possible health complications on a severe range are likely to happen, with confusion and unconsciousness as the first symptoms.

This medical condition can happen at any time. It can occur without you knowing it! An insulin reaction will still likely trigger even if you are only trying your very best to manage diabetes! Being aware of the disease and its symptoms can help in controlling and preventing the disorder.

Skipping meals makes one of the major causes of an insulin reaction. When this condition is left untreated, insulin reaction can lead to severe health dilemmas. Once this occurs, urgent medical care must be given to the patient. Note that insulin reaction can cause coma, or worse, death. Get immediate treatment and take necessary medical precautions to prevent the condition from worsening.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of insulin reaction are categorized based on its severity, whether it be mild or severe. These are as follows:

Mild Symptoms of Insulin Reaction:

• Confusion (inability to think quickly)
• Unconsciousness (being the initial sign of an insulin reaction)
• Dizziness and mild headache
• Increased hunger (since the body is lacking glucose, the body keeps on wanting food for glucose storage)
• Shakiness
• Irritability
• Sweating or perspiration
• Irregular heartbeat
• Poor coordination of the body

Severe Symptoms of Insulin Reaction:

• Seizures
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Coma (a deep state of prolonged unconsciousness)
• Stroke (may include paralysis or numbness on some parts of the body, vision problems, trouble talking and walking)
• Severe headache or migraine
• Hypothermia (defined as low body temperature, body core temp is below 35.0 °C)

Should any of these signs and symptoms persist for a long period, seek medical care immediately. Notify your healthcare professional of the possibility of having an insulin reaction.

Causes of Insulin Reaction

There are a few causes of an insulin reaction. Consider the following factors to know how to prevent acquiring this condition.

• Food intake – The amount of food intake can also affect the amount of insulin in the body. If an imbalance between the two occurs, an insulin shock is likely to happen.
• Alcohol – Consuming alcohol vigorously can interfere with some bodily functions. It can affect the medications you are taking in treating diabetes.
• Missed meals or skipping meals – This factor is the most common cause of insulin reaction. When someone with diabetes missed a single meal, it can automatically affect the system. Inability to eat while being injected with insulin may put someone at risk. Note that the amount of insulin injected must be in balance with the food you eat.
• Physical activities – Exercising uses energy, and the energy used is from glucose. Once too much sugar is used, the sugar levels also decrease.

Treatment and Prevention

Insulin reaction treatment involves increasing blood sugar levels. The treatment follows injecting a concentration of glucose solution into the patient. Other than that, a person may be hospitalized for further observation and treatment. Stabilizing his/her blood sugar levels is the main target. Furthermore, for those living with diabetes, strict compliance with their treatment program must be followed. This is to keep the blood sugar levels in a normal range. Other than taking their medications, following a strict diet and accurate insulin treatment is also the basis of healthy living.

What is Insulin Potentiation Therapy?

Insulin potentiation therapy or IPT is a treatment characterized by administrating insulin for chemotherapy sessions. It is a kind of medical treatment associated with chemotherapy, which is believed to provide beneficial effects for cancer treatment. However, due of the lack of scientific shreds of evidence regarding its effectiveness, IPT is considered to only be a theory and a controversial kind of medical care.

Since there is no enough proof of its scientific claims, insulin potentiation therapy is not recommended for cancer patients. However, if they wish to do so, it must be observed at their liability. Note that some patients living with cancer do not necessarily have diabetes, making this treatment discouraged as it can cause a drop in blood sugar levels.

How Does It Work?

During a chemotherapy session, a dose of insulin is administered into a patient’s vein. Because of this added procedure in treating cancer, only a lower dose of chemotherapy drugs is given. This concept supports two theories and mechanisms that some general practitioners adhere to. These are as follows:

• The permeability of cells is believed to be the doings of the insulin hormones. Once the cells become more absorbent, the effects of chemotherapy drugs can greatly benefit the treatment procedure. The powerful chemicals of chemotherapy drugs penetrate fast into the cancer cells, thus, killing these cells in the process.
• Insulin is believed to break or divide the cells. Because of this action, the cells are fragile and vulnerable to the functions and effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.

The theories mentioned were not proven to be true. Aside from its unreliable claims, it can give negative effects on people who do not have diabetes. It could add more to the existing health complications of cancer patients, with symptoms such as severe headaches, hallucinations, and fever. Additionally, one of its major consequences is having to experience low blood glucose levels. Its signs include dizziness, shakiness, sweating, irritability, confusion, pale skin, and irregular heartbeat.

There are clinical trials performed to withstand its efficacy in treating cancer. However, the results say otherwise. Chances of survival by following this treatment were not issued because of its inability to provide prerogatives of IPT.

Currently, chemotherapy is considered the main treatment for cancer. Sessions are scheduled based on the doctor’s prescription to maintain the regulation of the medication as well as the progress of the treatment. Note that Insulin potentiation therapy can induce several risk health factors. It is necessary to talk to your doctor always about the kind of treatment you will be receiving.

The popular Lancing device from Accu-Chek: Accu-Chek Multiclix, has been discontinued in the USA. Along with the lancing device, Multiclix Lancets have also been discontinued. But do not worry, CanadianInsulin.com still has them in stock for you.

• Accu-Chek Lancets available here. Click or tap to see prices. Or copy paste this URL to your browser:

It is very hard to find Accu-Chek Multiclix lancing devices and Multiclix lancets at stores like Walmart or Walgreens in the USA and so many people like you tried to find them online. You may be able to find these products online from websites like Amazon, but they are generally sold by regular people, which means you never really know if the devices are in good conditions. For example, who knows if the package is opened or devices have been used. This is why if you are looking to buy Multiclix lancets or the Lancing device you are better off shopping with CanadianInsulin.com. Products are sent to you straight from pharmacies in Canada, meaning products are new. Special packaging is also available so devices would reach your home in good conditions.

Online retailers offering Multiclix products also sometimes inflate the price, so you may end up paying a lot more for products that you cannot rely on. So, it is just a better option to buy these type of products directly from pharmacies. Buying Multiclix products does not require you to submit a prescription since these are products sold over the counter in Canada and so it is very easy to order them.

What is Fiasp Insulin?

Fiasp is the brand name of the drug insulin aspart. Insulin is a hormone that is typically produced naturally in the pancreas. It is responsible for regulating levels of sugar in the blood. People with diabetes require extra insulin because their bodies either cannot produce it or cannot use the naturally produced insulin properly.

What is this medication used for?

Fiasp is used to improve blood glucose control in children and adults with diabetes. It should not be used in children under the age of 2 and should not be used to treat type 2 diabetes in children. Fiasp is fast-acting and can sometimes be used in combination with immediate-acting or long-acting insulin products.

How to take it

Fiasp insulin should be taken according to the patient’s prescription label and guidance from their pharmacist and/or doctor. It can be injected under the skin or as an infusion directly into a vein. The first dose will likely be given by a healthcare provider to show the patient how to use the medication properly.

Fiasp is fast-acting, which means it begins working approximately 15 minutes after injection. The effectiveness peaks approximately one hour after injection, and it continues to work for up to 4 hours.

Patients should take Fiasp with a meal or within 20 minutes of eating. If taking Fiasp with an injection pen, patients should only use the pen provided with the prescription. If taken with an insulin pump, this insulin should not be mixed or diluted with any other insulin medications.

Fiasp side effects

Fiasp insulin is safe and effective and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2000. A new and improved formula was approved in 2017. Despite its proven safety, patients may experience some adverse effects. If A patient experiences severe side effects as a result of Fiasp use, they should contact their doctor immediately.

Common side effects

• Low blood sugar
• Weight gain
• Mild skin rash or itching
• Hollowing or thickening of the skin at injection site

Severe side effects

• Heart problems that could be indicated by shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling
• Low potassium as indicated by constipation, leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, or numbness

Dosage

Dosage depends on the patient’s blood glucose monitoring results, metabolic needs, and glycemic control goals. The dosage strength of Fiasp is 100 units/mL. The maximum dose per injection is 80 units, and the Fiasp pen releases the injections in 1-unit increments.

The first fact that any concerned pregnant mother with diabetes should know is that when using metformin drug during pregnancy, metformin will indeed cross over the placenta and circulate in the fetus. However, the current consensus in the scientific literature dictates that there is still insufficient evidence to conclusively state that metformin can or will cause birth defects, or any harm to the mother. Though there exist a preliminary study that analyzed eight studies on the use of metformin during pregnancy where it reported that using metformin actually decreased the risk of birth defects.

Is Metformin Safe During Pregnancy?

The findings are not still strong enough evidence to advocate any change in interventions to doctors concerning pregnant women with diabetes. Only time will tell, as more research is conducted to examine the safety of metformin. As continuing research unravel more secrets about its safety profile, we may one day see its use in pregnant mothers that want more convenient hypoglycemic medications instead of insulin injections.  Regardless, it is still standard practice for any practitioners in the world to opt for diet control and insulin therapy than use any oral anti-diabetic agents (e.g. metformin) for mothers with diabetes. The relatively unknown risk of causing birth defects from metformin can cause unnecessary anxiety amongst practitioners and mothers alike. On the topic of metformin causing complications after birth, it is still unclear but again, one study that compared that metformin against insulin in pregnant mothers with diabetes found that there were no significant differences.

Metformin for breastfeeding mothers was also considered safe, as the infants were exposed to low concentrations of metformin, they did not demonstrate any signs of dangerously low blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the use of metformin in infertile women with a condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome that predisposes to diabetes has been shown to increase conception rates, lower miscarriage rates, and have higher live birth rates.

If you are thinking of taking metformin during your pregnancy, or are thinking about becoming pregnant and are already on this medication, talk to your doctor. It is important to discuss all new and existing medications being taken during pregnancy with a medical professional.

You can buy Metformin 500 mg and 850 mg at canadianinsulin.com!

In case you missed it, Roche announced a batch of lot numbers of Accu-Chek Aviva Test Strips  ordered to be recalled. Test strips under those lot numbers can report erroeneous measurements Roche said. Why does this matter to you? Well, erroneous measurements can end up guiding temper with the dosages of diabetic medications you plan to take.

Here is the exact wording of Roche’s notice:

“Important information regarding Accu-Chek Aviva Plus test strips with lot numbers 496947, 497291, 497296 and 497325: These affected test strips show an increased potential for strip errors prior to applying blood sample, strips not detected once inserted, or in a very limited number of cases, an inaccurate result may occur, which may not be detectable. Discontinue use of strips from these lot numbers and follow all instructions in the link below.”

What is a lot number and where to find it?

It is a number on the packaging of your medication used for inventory purposes by the manufacturer. It is very easy for you to find it. On the box of your Accu-Chek Aviva Test Strips, the lot number is located on the top of the box and also on the bottle containing your strips. The image at the top of this article shows you where to find the lot number and see if the your strips fall under the lot numbers ordered for recall.

What to do if your Accu Chek Aviva Test Strips are ordered for recall?

The first thing you should do is to stop using your test strips, as they do not offer you reliable measures and can affect your treatment.

How to get your Accu Chek Aviva Test Strips replaced if sent for recall?

You can order a replacement by email or online.

1. Email: Send an email to accu-chek.care@roche.com with all the information outlined on ROCHE’s announcement, including your name, mailing adress, phone number, lot number on your test strips and how many strip vials to replace.
2. You can also sumbit a replacement request online at: https://notices.accu-chek.com

What Accu Chek Aviva Test Strips were ordered for recall?

There are two pack sizes of Accu Chek Aviva Test Strips ordered for recall, the 100 test strips pack and the 50 test strips pack. Both pack sizes fall under the type of products you should look out for. However, this issue does not concern all test strips by Accu Chek, only those under the mentioned lot numbers.

If you are looking to buy Accu Check Aviva Test Strips that do not fall under these set of problematic strips, you can find some good ones here. See prices on Accu-Check Aviva Test Strips. If you are looking for other alternatives, you can shop for more Diabetic Test Strips here. Besides Accu-Chek test strips, you can also buy other brands like Dario, OneTouch and others.

More information

• These notice was also published by the FDA to alert consumers like you. Here is the FDA announcement.
• You can also find Roche’s official announcement here.

1. Prior to use, wash the hands thoroughly with soapy, warm water. Then rinse and dry.
2. Remove the cap and insert a new OneTouch Delica 30g Lancet into your OneTouch Delica Lancing Device. The lancet should not be twisted. Attach the cap again and adjust the depth setting. The lower the number, the shallower the puncture. Conversely, larger number will create a deeper puncture.
3. When deciding the number, consider factors such as skin thickness. In general, shallower punctures are suitable for most adults and children. Patients with callused or thick skin are better suited for deeper puncture.
4. Select the desired setting by twisting the cap. To prepare the lancing device, slide the control button back (until it clicks). If the button does not click, it may have been locked.
   To puncture the finger, firmly hold the lancing device against the side of the finger.
5. Then, press the release button and remove the device from the finger.
6. Finally, massage and squeeze the fingertip gently until a round drop of blood is obtained. Do not use a smeared blood sample for blood glucose test.

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

T2D was once referred to as adult onset diabetes, but it can also occur in children. T2D is a serious medical condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. This happens as a result of the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin, or the body becoming resistant to it. Insulin is a natural hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. This hormone works by absorbing and processing glucose from the blood stream into the body’s cells to be used or stored for energy. Glucose is a form of sugar which is one of the main sources of fuel for all the cells of the body. Two of the body’s main sources of glucose comes from food and the liver. The liver makes glucose and stores it for future use. On the other hand, when you eat carbohydrates, your body produces insulin and the glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream. When blood glucose levels drop as a result of skipping meals, the liver will break down glycogen into glucose. This will help to maintain normal blood sugar levels. In T2D, this process does not work properly, as the body does not product enough insulin or use the insulin it does produce properly.

In healthy people, the beta cells in the pancreas produce more insulin when blood sugar levels rise. Over time, however, these beta cells can become damaged and fail to meet the insulin needs of the body. If this happens, this is called T2D. There is no cure for T2D. However, this medical condition can be treated through regular exercise, healthy diet and maintaining a proper weight. If a healthy diet and exercise does not work, your doctor may prescribe an oral diabetes medication, such as metformin, to help control your blood glucose levels. T2D is more common compared to T1D. It is not yet known what causes T2D. However, environmental and genetic factors including physical inactivity and excess weight are believed to be contributing factors.

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

T1D is a serious chronic condition where the beta cells produce little or no insulin. This condition was previously referred to as juvenile diabetes because it commonly begins in adolescence and childhood. However, adults can also be diagnosed with T1D. Despite ongoing research, this medical condition has no cure. Patients with T1D require insulin medications in addition to following a strict lifestyle that includes proper exercise and diet to help control blood glucose levels. Maintaining a normal blood glucose level is important because it can prevent health complications such as nerve damage, kidney problems or blindness. It remains unknown what causes T1D. In most cases, T1D occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas, which leads to high blood sugar levels. There are certain risk factors such as family history, age and genetic factors which increase the risk of diabetes. Symptoms of T1D normally develop very fast in young people, usually after a few days or weeks. In adults, the symptoms usually take longer before they can start to show.

Symptoms of T1D include:

• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Increased thirst
• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Irritability