Insulin is used to treat type 1 diabetes. There are several different types of insulin, and most people with type 1 diabetes need a combination of long-acting and short-acting insulins.

Never skip a dose of insulin without the advice of your doctor. Know:

• The dose of each type of insulin you are taking.
• The daily schedule for your insulin injections. Usually people with type 1 diabetes take a long-acting insulin once or twice a day and a short-acting insulin with meals.
• How long it takes for each type of insulin to start working (onset), when it will have its greatest effect (peak), and how long it will work (duration). See the table Types of insulin for this information.
• How to prepare and give an insulin injection.

Giving an insulin injection