An older style portable blood glucose meter. The blood sample is applied to an inserted strip (see image below) and color changes caused by reaction with blood glucose are measured by the meter. A blood glucose test strip for an older style (see image above) monitoring system.

Technology In the past century or so, diabetic technology has reached heights that most could’ve never imagined. Back in 1922, shortly after insulin was introduced, the drug was so limited in its effectiveness that patients had to inject it three to six times daily. Today, there are three different types of insulin. There’s regular, or rapid-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. They differ between onset, duration of action, and the medicinal peak. Regular insulin generally starts working in 30 minutes, then peaks in about one to 2 hours. It stays in the blood stream for approximately 8 to 12 hours. This type is transparent. The intermediate-acting insulin starts working in two to four hours, peaks in eight to twelve hours, and stays in the blood stream for 18 to 26 hours. This type is not as cleat as regular insulin because it contains ingredients that are meant to cause a delayed release of medicine. There are two varieties of this type of insulin: Lente and NPH. Long-acting insulin doesn’t start to work until six to eight hours after injection. This medicine reaches its peak in 14 to 24 hours, and does not leave the blood stream for about 36 hours. It comes in two varieties, Ultralente and PD21. Along with the different types of insulin, there are also different concentrations. The higher the insulin concentration, the less has to be injected. However, the most common is the highest concentration, U-100. The insulin itself generally comes from cows, pigs, or a combination of both. Recently though, genetic engineering has made human insulin available, resulting in fewer allergic reactions. As far as actually getting medicine into the body, insulin can be injected into any fatty tissue; the front thigh, upper buttocks, behind the hip bone, outer area of the upper arm, abdomen, or just above or below the waist. The only basic restriction is that it not be within two inches of the navel, and the site of injection must be rotated so as to not produce any dents or bumps in the skin. Oral hypoglycemic drugs do not actually contain insulin. Insulin is a protein and would be destroyed by enzymes in the stomach if taken orally. However, these drugs make the body more sensitive to insulin and stimulate the body to produce more insulin. These drugs are only effective if the exact diet and exercise plans are followed. Additionally, the drugs don’t always work when used in conjunction with Type Two diabetes. They can also start to work for a few months to a year, and then stop working. They must be taken up to three times a day.