Insulin Clinics

A plain-language reference on insulin therapy.

Clinician-reviewed answers to the questions people actually ask — about starting insulin, adjusting it, living with it, and knowing when something is wrong.

Last reviewed by our medical board · Sources: ADA Standards of Care, AACE, NIDDK

If this is an emergency — severe low blood sugar, vomiting with high blood sugar, confusion, or trouble breathing — call your local emergency number now. This site is reference information, not medical advice.

Foundations

  1. What insulin is and how it worksWhy your body needs it, what insulin therapy replaces, and what it doesn't.
  2. Types of insulinRapid, short, intermediate, long, ultra-long, and premixed — what each one is for.
  3. How insulin is deliveredSyringes, pens, pumps, and inhaled insulin compared.

Starting and managing

  1. Starting insulin therapyWhat to expect at the first visit, common fears, and what changes day to day.
  2. Dosing and adjustmentBasal-bolus, carb counting, and correction factors in plain English.
  3. Injection techniqueSites, rotation, needle length, and what causes lipohypertrophy.
  4. Storage, handling, and travelFridge versus room temperature, expiration, heat, cold, and flying.

Monitoring and safety

  1. Monitoring blood glucoseFingersticks, CGMs, A1C, and time in range — what each tells you.
  2. Low blood sugarHow to recognize it, the 15-15 rule, and when to use glucagon.
  3. High blood sugar and DKAWarning signs, ketone testing, and when to seek emergency care.

Special situations and reference

  1. Sick days, exercise, and pregnancyWhen normal rules change, and how to plan ahead.
  2. Cost and accessInsurance, copay caps, manufacturer programs, and biosimilars.
  3. Questions for your clinicianA printable checklist for your next appointment.
  4. GlossaryPlain definitions for every term used on this site.