The Ultimate Diabetes Insulin Quiz

The most common method of injecting insulin is by syringe, but there are a lot of other options available, such as insulin pens, inhalers and pumps. Talk to your doctor to find out what's best for you.

There are four types of insulin. These types differ on how long the insulin lasts, when they work best and how fast they work.

Your insulin regimen should maintain a low level of insulin throughout the day and it should peak right after eating a meal.

Most people require four insulin shots daily. This number can change, however, given your specific needs and lifestyle choices.

The effects of insulin can vary for a variety of reasons, including where you inject insulin in your body, the activities or exercise you do, the type of insulin you take and your own body's response.

On a traditional insulin shot regimen, someone with diabetes is expected to eat three meals and a light snack each day. The insulin dosage reflects this meal schedule.

You can combine short- and long-acting insulin shots to afford yourself some flexibility with meal planning. This type of insulin treatment, however, requires that you have a very good understanding of how insulin and food interact.

Insulin pumps are best for individuals who are motivated to regulate their diabetes. Insulin pumps eliminate the need for insulin injections and they allow greater flexibility regarding meal scheduling.

Insulin pumps involve placing a small tube under the skin for insulin delivery. You need to change the tube every couple of days.

Insulin pumps generally provide you with a continuous level of insulin throughout the day and more insulin right after meals. Some insulin pumps also calculate how much insulin you need and monitor your blood glucose.

Pramlintide is a non-insulin shot, which is typically used in conjunction with insulin shots. Pramlintide is a synthetic hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels.

Exenatide, a non-insulin shot, is for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Exenatide stimulates the pancreas so that it produces more insulin.

The importance of exercise and eating well should not be undermined. In fact, someone with type 2 diabetes, who eats well and exercises, may completely eliminate the need for diabetes medication.

A new drug called rimonabant, which manipulates the brain to decrease hunger, can help people with diabetes lose weight and stay on a diabetic diet plan. Another class of drugs called DPP-IV inhibitors turn off the enzyme that stops insulin production in the pancreas.

Try to find a diabetes education program in your neighborhood. Such a program may include help from dietitians, physicians, educators, psychologists, nurses and social workers.