There are numerous different brands and models of insulin pens available in the UK market. As a diabetic working with your healthcare team to establish what insulin pen to choose, the following factors are worth considering. When your pancreas is working properly it makes small amounts of insulin all the time and releases more insulin when your blood glucose levels increase after eating. When you have diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin or the insulin it makes does not work properly. Long-acting insulin starts to work after 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the type. It usually lasts for 16 to 24 hours, depending on the type and your dose. You'll usually take it once or twice a day. Biphasic insulin is a mixture of short-acting or rapid-acting insulin and intermediate-acting insulin. You usually take it twice a day, about half an hour before breakfast and your evening meal. Rapid-acting insulin starts to work after about 10 to 20 minutes and lasts for up to 5 hours. You'll usually take it around 15 minutes before a meal but it can be taken up to 10 minutes after a meal.

Intermediate-acting insulin starts to work after 1 to 2 hours and lasts for between 11 and 24 hours. You'll usually take it once or twice a day. Insulin pens are very easy to use. They are great for young diabetics who need to deliver insulin at school. Furthermore, many diabetics find insulin pens almost painless. They are also portable and discreet, as well as not being as time-consuming as syringes. An accurate dose can be pre-set on the dosage dial, which can be useful for diabetes sufferers who also have impaired vision. Why might I not like insulin pens?

Long-acting insulin is a type of insulin that you inject once or twice a day. It works throughout the day and night to provide you with low levels of insulin all the time. Long-acting insulin is sometimes also known as basal insulin. Biphasic insulin starts to work within 30 minutes and lasts for up to 24 hours. You'll usually take it twice a day, before breakfast and your evening meal. Xultophy (which is insulin degludec combined with liraglutide) is available as a pre-filled pen for people with type 2 diabetes who need both medicines to manage their blood glucose. Key facts Short-acting insulin starts to work after about 30 to 60 minutes and usually lasts up to 8 hours. You'll usually take it around 30 minutes before a meal.

Insulin treats the symptoms of diabetes by lowering your blood glucose. But it can sometimes cause your blood glucose to go too low. This is known as hypoglycaemia, or hypos. Make sure you know the symptoms of a hypo, and always carry a source of glucose with you, such as sugary sweets, in case you need to treat a hypo. They come in different brands and are used with different types of insulin pen, but they all work in a similar way. Everyone with type 1 diabetes, and some people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, needs to take insulin to help manage their blood glucose levels. This reduces the chances of getting the symptoms of high blood glucose ( hyperglycaemia) and serious long-term problems that can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and feet.

How do I choose the right insulin pen for my diabetes?

Intermediate-acting insulin, also called isophane insulin, is a type of insulin that you inject once or twice a day. It works throughout the day and night to provide you with low levels of insulin all the time. Intermediate-acting insulin is sometimes also known as basal insulin.

Some people take biphasic insulin along with other diabetes medicines to manage their blood glucose levels. pre-filled pens containing insulin degludec combined with liraglutide, for people with type 2 diabetes who need both medicines Absolutely not. This could influence the sterility of the needle, and alter the dose of insulin administered when you come to use the pen. Keep pens and needles separate until you are ready to inject, and remove the needle immediately after use. How do I choose the right insulin pen for my diabetes? There are 2 main brands of short-acting insulin. They both contain 100 units of insulin per 1ml of injection. There are 2 main brands of intermediate-acting insulin. They both contain 100 units of insulin per 1ml of injection.It's a good idea to carry medical identification such as an insulin safety card or insulin passport – a small card with up-to-date details of the type of insulin you use, and what to do in an emergency. Insulin is a hormone made in your pancreas, which is a gland behind the stomach. It helps your body use glucose (sugar) for energy. Unless you use an insulin pump, you'll usually take short-acting insulin along with another type of insulin, called intermediate-acting insulin or long-acting insulin.