Are You Diabetic? It May be Time for Insulin!

If you have type 2 diabetes and have had difficulty achieving blood sugar control, it may be time to find out if insulin is right for you.

Why Consider Insulin

Insulin is proven to lower blood sugar levels when used as part of an overall diabetes treatment plan. In fact, over 5 million people take insulin every day. 

Adding insulin replaces what your body isn't making naturally to help control blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body that helps convert your blood sugar (or blood glucose) into energy.

When you have diabetes your body doesn't make enough insulin and/or your body doesn't properly use the insulin it does make. As diabetes progresses it can get harder to manage your blood sugar.

Insulin should not necessarily be viewed as a sign of personal failure, or viewed as a last resort.

When diet, exercise, and oral diabetes medications alone don’t bring your blood sugar levels under control, insulin may be an effective tool to help with uncontrolled blood sugar. Do not take insulin if you are allergic to insulin or any of its ingredients. You must test your blood sugar levels when using insulin. 

Choose To Know More About Insulin & Overcome Common Fears

Many people, including you, may be afraid of insulin. However, insulin may help you achieve better blood sugar control. 

It is important to talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and realistic risks associated with insulin use. Hypoglycemia is the most common side effect of insulin therapy, which may be serious. Some fears of insulin may be based on misperceptions. Do any of these concern you?

• It's painful. Today's insulin needles are smaller and thinner than in the past. Generally injections cause little discomfort. You may be surprised by how soon you get used to injections.
• It's a sign of failure. Adding insulin does not necessarily mean that you failed with your current diabetes treatment plan. Over time, your body may have trouble producing what it needs to lower blood sugar.
• It's a "last resort." Insulin should not be seen as a "last resort." With diabetes, your doctor may change your treatment plan over time to find what works best for you. Controlling your blood sugar is what’s most important.
• It's a lifestyle change. Insulin is an effective option that you can add to your diabetes treatment plan to help you reach your daily blood sugar goals and lower your A1C. Most people find that insulin becomes a part of their routine. 
• It's forever. Insulin is not physically addictive or habit-forming. Many patients stay on insulin because they see the effect it has on lowering blood sugar.  

Talk to your doctor sooner, rather than later, if you have uncontrolled blood sugar. Together you can decide if insulin is right for you. Insulin works as part of an overall diabetes treatment plan, which includes diet, exercise and other diabetes medications, to help control blood sugar.

Remember, controlling blood sugar may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications.