Clinical Diabetes 25:39-40, 2007
© American Diabetes Association ®, Inc., 2007
Insulin Myths and Facts
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Introduction
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If you have type 2 diabetes and your A1C is slowly creeping up despite your
best efforts, insulin may be the next step in treating your diabetes. Many
people struggle with the thought of insulin because of what they have heard
about it. Some common myths about insulin and facts that may help you overcome
your fears are listed below.
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Myth: Insulin means I am a failure.
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Fact: Needing insulin does not mean that you have failed to manage
you diabetes well. Because type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease,
eventually your pancreas is just not able to keep up with your body's need for
insulin—no matter what you've done to manage your diabetes. When other
medicines no longer keep your blood glucose on target, insulin is often the
next logical step for treating diabetes.
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Myth: Insulin does not work.
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Fact: Although many people think of diabetes as a
"sugar" problem, actually diabetes is an insulin problem. The
insulins used today are very similar to the insulin that the body naturally
makes. In fact, insulin is the best way to lower your blood glucose.
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Myth: Insulin causes complications or death.
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Fact: The belief that insulin causes complications or death often
comes from seeing what happened in the past to family members or friends with
diabetes. Although it can be hard to get past your fear, in fact, it is more
likely that insulin might have delayed or even prevented these complications
if it had been started earlier.
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Myth: Insulin causes weight gain.
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Fact: It is true that many patients who begin insulin gain weight.
Insulin helps your body use food more efficiently. If this is a concern, ask
for a referral to a dietitian before you start insulin.
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Myth: Insulin injections are painful.
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Fact: Although no one likes shots, most people are surprised by how
little an insulin injection hurts. Insulin does not "sting" going
in, and the needles are very small and thin. Most people find that it is less
painful than a finger stick to monitor their blood glucose level.
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Myth: Insulin causes hypoglycemia.
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Fact: It is true that insulin can cause a low blood glucose
reaction. However, with the newer or long-acting insulins, hypoglycemia is
less likely to occur. And it is rare for people with type 2 diabetes to pass
out from low blood glucose. You can learn how to prevent, recognize, and treat
hypoglycemia and thus avoid severe insulin reactions.
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Myth: Insulin is addictive.
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Fact: You cannot get addicted to insulin. Insulin is a natural
substance your body needs. If you are concerned that people who may see you
give your insulin shot in a public place will think you are using illegal
drugs, ask your provider if an insulin pen would work for you.
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Myth: Insulin is too expensive.
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Fact: Diabetes is expensive, no question about it. Generally,
however, insulin is usually less expensive than using several different types
of oral medications. Because prices can vary a great deal at different stores,
shop around for the best prices on insulin and other supplies.
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Myth: Insulin means that my life will change.
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Fact: Many people believe that once they start insulin, they can no
longer be independent, live alone, travel, or eat away from home. None of
these is true. With planning, there is no reason why you cannot do everything
you did before. Ask your provider for a referral to a diabetes educator who
can help you fit insulin into your life.
Actually, many people find that their lives do change with
insulin—for the better. They have more energy, have more flexibility in
their schedule, and feel more positive about themselves. After starting
insulin, many people wonder why they waited so long to feel better.
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Questions to Ask Yourself and Discuss With Your Provider
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If you are considering insulin or your provider has suggested it to you,
the following questions can help you get ready for your next visit.
- How satisfied are you with your current treatment?
- How satisfied are you with your current level of blood glucose control?
- How interested are you in making a change in therapy?
- What do you need to know to consider insulin?
- What is your biggest fear?
- What problems do you think you will face?
- What supports do you have to help you overcome your fears and problems?
- How confident are you that you can manage insulin?
- What do you see as the most positive thing about insulin therapy for
you?
- Are you willing to try insulin? If not, what would cause you to try
insulin?
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Introduction
Myth: Insulin means I...