Being Prescribed Insulin? Here’s Why It’s Not a Bad Thing

Insulin – the word that evokes fear and anxiety amongst people with diabetes.

Insulin is not the first line of treatment for people with type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed only when the blood sugar levels are uncontrolled with lifestyle modifications and oral tablets. Which is why most people associate it with failure – a failure to have been able to control their diabetes. But that is far from the truth.

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas has either stopped producing insulin or are not producing enough – which could happen over time. This could be the reason why tablets are no longer enough, and insulin therapy needs to begin – a critical step to prevent diabetes-related complications in the future.

If your doctor has discussed starting insulin or has prescribed it already, here are 7 reasons you don’t have to be afraid of it:

1. Insulin does not mean you failed: Don’t look at insulin as a sign of failure. As the condition progresses, your pancreas might stop producing insulin altogether – making insulin therapy critical.
2. Insulin-related weight gain can be controlled: Yes, weight gain is a side effect of insulin, but with the right diet and exercise, it can be controlled.
3. Yes, insulin increases the risk of hypoglycemia, but so do medicines: Most people fear that insulin increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), but that is true with any blood sugar lowering diabetes medication. With a disciplined routine where you eat correctly and take your insulin at the prescribed time, you shouldn’t have to worry about it. Educate yourself about the type of insulin you’re on and its effect to further prevent such instances.
4. Insulin injections are not painful: Gone are the days of syringes and vials – insulin pens and insulin pumps are relatively pain-free and come with a lot less hassle.
5. It is possible to take insulin discreetly: The new-age insulin pens and pumps are quite discreet. You can excuse yourself and use them safely in a bathroom – so you don’t have to worry about injecting yourself in front of everyone in a social setting.
6. Stop worrying about what people will say: Worrying about what people will say should be the least of your concerns. More and more people (especially in India) are educated about diabetes and insulin these days. The only thing you should worry about is your health and how to reduce the risk of diabetes- related complications.
7. It is possible to stop insulin: Not always, but there have been instances where people have been asked to stop taking insulin with good control through lifestyle changes.

We hope you found this article useful in understanding insulin and its benefits and no longer see it is a sign of failure.