EFFECTIVE USE OF INSULIN - A BALANCING ACT

The effective use of insulin requires familiarity, with how the hormone acts as well as appreciation of such modifying factors as insulin antibodies, exercise, and smoking. Optimal insulin use is facilitated by knowledge of the dawn phenomenon, which causes insulin resistance in early morning hours. Rebound hyperglycemia should be treated much more conservatively than comparable hyperglycemia due to other causes because of the greater likelihood of recurrent hypoglycemia. Diet, exercise, and insulin dosage must be balanced in order to attain good control, and this balance is possible only when it is guided by regular self blood glucose monitoring.