Type 1 Diabetes

Insulin Effects

MYTH: If I take insulin, I will have more hypoglycemic events.

FACT: Using insulin can increase your risk of hypoglycemia but there are insulins available that make hypoglycemia less likely to occur. Among people with type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemic events are rare. (1) Learning how to properly determine how much insulin you need is the first step to preventing hypoglycemic events. But it is important to also learn how to treat low blood sugar in case of an emergency. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent hypoglycemia.



MYTH: Insulin will make me gain weight so I shouldn’t use insulin.

FACT: Insulin can in fact stimulate the appetite but its benefits outweigh its risk of weight gain. In fact, it is excessive eating that causes weight gain. A healthy diet that includes portion control, fruits and vegetables, as well as regular exercise remains the most effective way to control weight gain.



MYTH: Insulin is addictive.

FACT: You cannot become addicted to insulin. It is a natural substance that the body requires. It is understandable that using a needle to inject insulin might provoke thoughts of drug use and addiction, so if using syringe needles in public causes you concern, try going into a bathroom or talk to your doctor about other methods you can use to administer your insulin, such as pumps.



MYTH: It does not matter where insulin is injected.

FACT: Where you inject your insulin determines rate of absorption. Injection around the abdomen has the fastest rate of absorption, while the thighs and buttocks are the slowest. Injecting in the arm falls somewhere in between. Wherever you inject your insulin, be sure to inject into a fatty subcutaneous area of your body. Also, it is a good idea to rotate injection sites. Multiple injections in the same place can cause fat deposits to build up under the skin, which can delay insulin absorption.



MYTH: Once you start insulin you cannot stop.

FACT: Type 1 diabetes is defined as such because insulin-producing beta cells within the pancreas are gradually destroyed and eventually fail to produce insulin. Therefore people with type 1 diabetes require insulin. The treatment for type 1 diabetes also includes a proper diet and exercise. People with type 2, however, are still able to produce insulin at diagnosis but over time, the overworked beta cells of the pancreas can wear out completely and lose the ability to secrete sufficient insulin. People with type 2 may be treated with insulin at one time and then switched to oral medications or other injectable diabetes medications. Some people may even be able to decrease their medications as their blood glucose improves and others still may find they are able to stop taking medications altogether once they lose weight and improve their lifestyle.


MYTH: Using insulin means I can eat the way I want.

FACT: Great theory, but actually a poor diet means you need more insulin to lower your blood glucose levels. Insulin, like oral medications, are only a part of the diabetes treatment plan. The most effective way to use insulin is in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. However, insulin or any other diabetes medication cannot take the place of you taking care of yourself.


Source:



1 - The Journal of the American Medical Association. Starting insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes: effectiveness, complications, and resource utilization. (Accessed 09/08)

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 01/09