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Basal Insulin and Its Importance: A Diabetes Educator's Guide

Jan 23, 2025

For those living with diabetes, understanding the role of insulin is crucial in managing blood sugar levels.

One important aspect of insulin therapy is basal insulin, a type of insulin that helps keep blood sugar steady throughout the day and night. Whether you're a Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patient, a diabetes dietitian or a Diabetes Educator can help explain why basal insulin is so important and how it works.

What is Basal Insulin and Why Is It Necessary?

Basal insulin is a type of long-acting insulin that provides a steady level of insulin to counteract the glucose released by the liver. The liver continuously releases glucose into the bloodstream to supply energy to the body. However, for people with diabetes, this process can be problematic. Without enough insulin to manage this release, blood sugar levels can rise uncontrollably, leading to potentially dangerous situations, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

A Type 1 diabetes dietitian (T1D dietitian) or a Type 2 diabetes dietitian (T2D dietitian) can help individuals understand that basal insulin is critical for stabilizing blood sugar and preventing harmful spikes. Basal insulin essentially balances the glucose dump from the liver, ensuring that blood sugar stays within a healthy range.

Why Do People with Diabetes Need Basal Insulin?

When living with diabetes, especially if insulin-dependent, one might notice fluctuations in blood sugar even when they’re not eating. This is because the liver is constantly releasing glucose into the bloodstream. If a person with diabetes misses their basal insulin dose, their blood sugar can gradually rise throughout the day. Over time, this can lead to serious complications.

For people with Type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce any insulin on its own. This makes basal insulin even more crucial, as it provides the necessary background insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control. Type 1 diabetes dietitians often emphasize how important it is to stay on top of basal insulin doses to prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high.

People with Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, may produce insulin but not use it efficiently. As insulin resistance increases, they may still need basal insulin to manage glucose levels effectively. A T2D dietitian plays a key role in explaining how basal insulin can help counteract this resistance and keep blood sugar stable.

How Does Basal Insulin Work?

Basal insulin is often administered through long-acting insulin injections or an insulin pump. Long-acting insulin types, such as Tresiba or Toujeo, are designed to release small amounts of insulin steadily over time. This steady insulin release prevents blood sugar from rising excessively due to the liver’s glucose dump.

For those who use an insulin pump, basal insulin is delivered continuously throughout the day. If someone with diabetes forgets to take their basal insulin or has an issue with their insulin pump, they may notice their blood sugar creeping up. This is why it’s so important to understand the role of basal insulin in stabilizing glucose levels and preventing dangerous spikes.

For anyone with diabetes, working with a diabetes dietitian or a diabetes educator is essential for developing a well-rounded diabetes care plan. These professionals can help people understand how basal insulin fits into their treatment routine, ensuring that blood sugar remains balanced throughout the day.

Basal insulin is an essential part of managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. By using it consistently, people with diabetes can prevent dangerous spikes in blood sugar and reduce the risk of complications. If you're unsure about why you take basal insulin or how it works, a diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator can provide the guidance you need to manage your condition more effectively.

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