Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate the amount of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Insulin has a counterpart called glucagon, a hormone that works in the opposite way.
The body uses insulin and glucagon to ensure that blood sugar levels do not get too high or low and that cells receive enough glucose to use for energy.
When blood sugar is too low, the pancreas secretes glucagon, which causes the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. However, people with diabetes might need to take supplementary insulin to help keep their blood sugar levels within a normal range.
In this article, we look at the side effects, risks, and myths of insulin therapy and provide tips for taking insulin safely.
Many different types and brands of insulin are available in the United States.
The side effects that a person might experience depend on the type of insulin they are taking.
Common side effects include:
- initial weight gain as the cells start to take in glucose
- blood sugar that drops too low, or hypoglycemia
- rashes, bumps, or swelling at an injection site
- anxiety or depression
- a cough when taking inhaled insulin
