How do insulin plans work?

Most insulin plans try to mimic the effects a normal pancreas could produce. A pancreas puts out a steady stream of insulin (a basal or baseline dose) day and night. It also secretes an extra dose of insulin (a bolus) in response to meals. This is the way insulin pumps are usually set up. If insulin injections are preferred, a longer-acting insulin is used to mimic the basal insulin secretion. To substitute for the bolus of insulin, a dose of rapid-acting or regular insulin is usually given before each meal. Which combination of short- and long-acting insulins you use is up to you and your provider. Together, work out a plan that will suit your life and schedule. If your plan is not working out for you, talk to your provider. There are usually many other plans you can try.