Insulin Myths and Realities
People talk a lot about diabetes and insulin... some people are afraid of taking insulin. Other people think that taking insulin is all they need to do to control their blood sugar. Insulin should be a part of an overall diabetes treatment plan, which includes diet, exercise, and other diabetes medications. See if you know the facts about these common myths regarding type 2 diabetes and insulin.
Having to take insulin means I have failed on pills and that my diabetes is getting worse.
No, you haven't failed at all. Diabetes is a progressive condition which occurs when the body isn't producing enough insulin or not using insulin properly. Insulin is a natural hormone that a healthy body produces to help convert glucose from the foods we eat into energy. If your body is not producing enough insulin naturally, you should ask your doctor if taking insulin could help.
| JoAnn Collins, an insulin patient since 1991, used to think "When diabetes pills weren't giving me the control I needed, I thought I had done something wrong. And insulin was my punishment." |
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Insulin should be considered as a last option for treating diabetes.
Your guide should be your A1C level. If it is above the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommended level of less than 7%, or the goal your doctor set for you, don't wait to take action and ask your doctor about insulin. In fact, one approach recommended by the 2006 ADA guidelines suggests that patients add insulin earlier if diet, exercise, and pills do not provide sufficient control. Insulin does not have to be the last option you and your doctor consider.
| Terry Wiley's advice after taking insulin since 2001, "If your blood sugar's not under control, don't wait to talk to your doctor about whether insulin should be a part of your overall diabetes treatment plan." |
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Taking insulin injections will be painful and will interfere with my daily schedule.
Many patients are surprised when they finally see how small and thin the needle actually is. In addition, many insulins come in insulin pens that make taking insulin more convenient. You may be equally surprised when you learn how patients on insulin often say that their daily routine has not changed much since starting insulin. To many patients, taking insulin has become as routine as brushing their teeth.
| Charles Wiggins, an insulin patient since 2003, now thinks, "...the needle's tiny, so I hardly feel it at all. I'm a real believer now." |
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Insulin will make me gain a lot of weight.
Some people find that they do put on a few pounds when they begin taking insulin. The reason is that before you take insulin, if your blood sugar is too high, many of the calories you eat are naturally flushed out of your system. When you take insulin it turns calories into energy for your body so all those lost calories are now being absorbed – this can lead to some weight gain. Following a meal plan and an exercise program may help keep you from gaining excess weight.
Once I start taking insulin I will get addicted to it and will have to take it for the rest of my life.
Insulin is not addictive or habit-forming. However, many patients who have started taking insulin have decided to manage their blood sugar with insulin for the rest of their life. Insulin can be adjusted to the appropriate dose your body needs to achieve good blood sugar control. It's important to work with your healthcare team to find the right dose for you.
Important Safety Information for Insulin
Possible side effects may include blood sugar levels that are too low, injection site reactions, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. Tell your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you are taking because they could change the way insulin works. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.
The health information contained herein is provided for general education purposes
only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding
your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions
about your health or treatment.
