Understanding Basal Insulin and Why It Matters for People with Diabetes
What Is Basal Insulin?
Basal insulin is a background insulin that helps control your blood sugar throughout the day and night, even when you aren’t eating. Whether you’re using an insulin pump or taking injections, basal insulin plays a key role in diabetes management. For those with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), basal insulin keeps blood glucose levels steady and helps prevent dangerous blood sugar spikes.
Why Do You Need Basal Insulin?
Your liver, a vital organ in your body, constantly releases glucose (a type of sugar) into your bloodstream. This glucose provides energy to your body, especially when you're not eating. However, in people living with diabetes, this process can cause blood sugar levels to rise uncontrollably.
This is where basal insulin comes in. If you don’t have enough basal insulin in your system, the liver's glucose release goes unchecked, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. Over time, this can be dangerous and even lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition.
Basal insulin counteracts the glucose released by your liver, ensuring your blood sugar stays within a safe range. Whether you take long-acting insulin like Tresiba or Toujeo, or use an insulin pump, the goal is the same: to keep your blood sugar stable.
How Does Basal Insulin Work?
For people with Type 1 diabetes, basal insulin helps replace the insulin their body can no longer produce. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian works closely with individuals to determine the right basal rate to maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day and night.
In Type 2 diabetes, the body still produces insulin, but it may not be enough, or it may not be used effectively. A Type 2 diabetes dietitian helps adjust basal insulin doses, working with other treatments to manage blood sugar more effectively.
Basal insulin is often taken in the form of a long-acting injection or through an insulin pump. The insulin works slowly, providing a steady release to keep your glucose levels under control. By mimicking the body’s natural insulin release, basal insulin is crucial for avoiding large fluctuations in blood sugar.
Many people with diabetes are on basal insulin for years without fully understanding its purpose. It’s common to just take insulin injections or rely on an insulin pump, but the reason behind it isn’t always explained clearly.
Having this knowledge can empower you to better manage your condition and stay on top of your diabetes care. Whether you work with a Type 1 diabetes dietitian or a Type 2 diabetes dietitian, understanding basal rates is an essential part of your diabetes management plan.
Conclusion
If you have diabetes and rely on insulin, understanding basal insulin is key to managing your condition. It’s important to know that basal insulin helps balance the glucose your liver produces, preventing dangerous blood sugar spikes. Your registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator is an invaluable resource in helping you navigate your insulin needs and optimize your diabetes care plan.
If you haven’t had this conversation with your care team, now is a great time to ask about basal insulin and how it impacts your blood sugar control. Understanding your basal rate could be the missing piece to achieving better diabetes management.
