Conventional Insulin Therapy

Conventional Insulin Therapy is a method of insulin treatment for individuals with diabetes. This therapy involves the administration of a fixed dose of insulin on a daily basis, typically in two injections. The doses are usually the same every day and do not vary according to the individual's blood glucose levels or dietary intake.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Conventional insulin therapy is often the first line of treatment for individuals newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. The goal of this therapy is to achieve a balance between the insulin dose and the individual's usual food intake and physical activity. This balance helps to maintain blood glucose levels within a target range, reducing the risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Method[edit | edit source]

Conventional insulin therapy typically involves two injections per day. Each injection contains a mix of short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin. The first injection is usually given before breakfast and the second before dinner. The doses are fixed and do not vary from day to day.

Advantages and Disadvantages[edit | edit source]

The main advantage of conventional insulin therapy is its simplicity. The fixed doses make it easy for individuals to manage their insulin treatment. However, this therapy does not mimic the body's natural insulin production, which can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. This can increase the risk of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Alternatives[edit | edit source]

Alternatives to conventional insulin therapy include intensive insulin therapy and insulin pump therapy. These therapies offer more flexibility and can provide better blood glucose control, but they also require more frequent blood glucose monitoring and insulin adjustments.