INSULIN MYTHS AND FACTS

Insulin therapy is not your fault and it definitely does not mean that you aren’t trying enough to control your blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes progresses over time and no matter what you do and what medicines you take to manage it, your pancreas gives up on keeping up with your body's need for insulin. This is when insulin is needed to treat diabetes.¹

It is a fact that insulin is the good way to lower your blood glucose levels. And no, it doesn’t hurt much. You would in fact be surprised with how little the injection actually hurts. Many even find it less painful than a finger stick.¹

Diabetes, in fact is an expensive condition. Insulin on the other hand is usually less expensive than several other oral medicines. But since insulin prices can vary, you always have an option of choosing the one that suits your pocket.¹

Myth myth myth! Insulin is a natural substance needed by your body and you just cannot get addicted to it. ¹

You may have this fear if you have witnessed complications or death of your family members or friends with diabetes. Insulin is not the last resort but in fact, can delay or even prevent diabetes complications if started early.^1,2

Many patients who begin insulin tend to gain some weight. However, this weight gain can be easily managed through diet changes.In case you are worried about this, consult a dietician before starting insulin.¹

Even if you are taking insulin you still need to control your food intake, like anyone else without diabetes. Eating extra calories regularly can lead to weight gain in all people, with or without diabetes.³

This is a big myth! During illness,blood glucose levels tend to rise. Insulin therapy in such cases may in fact need to be increased when you are sick. It is good to talk to your doctor about this.³