Insulin therapy is a treatment for diabetes. Insulin therapy is the most common treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Insulin is a hormone that is released by the pancreas in response to elevated levels of blood glucose. When insulin is secreted, it signals cells throughout the body to take up glucose from the blood so that it can be used as an energy source or stored in fat cells.
The first step in using insulin is to determine how much insulin you should use. This can be done by calculating your body’s glycogen stores and then multiplying that number by a dose of 0.75 units per kilogram of body weight.
Insulin therapy is typically administered through injections, but some people will self-inject their medication as well.
Most people know the importance of insulin in diabetes management. However, some myths may still exist such as that it’s associated with weight loss. This is not true for those who use insulin for diabetes management seen on websites like the Better Health Channel. Experts say that people should be aware of the common misconceptions about this type of therapy and know the chances and benefits before deciding whether it is for them. The article discusses some of these key myths associated with insulin therapy and provides information on how this therapy works and the potential benefits it offers.
Common myths and facts about insulin therapy
Myth: Insulin therapy doesn’t work
Fact: Insulin therapy is one of the most effective treatment options for lowering blood glucose levels. It can reduce your blood sugar levels by as much as 70% or more in a matter of hours. Synthetic insulin is very similar to natural insulin. Its effectiveness is comparable to that of natural insulin, so it is recommended for some people.
Myth: Insulin therapy causes weight gain
Fact: The idea that insulin causes weight gain following initiation is not a myth, but it doesn’t mean that insulin is the cause. Since there are more hormones in the body to regulate blood sugar, some people may notice that they have a temporary weight gain. Over time this will probably go away and level out.
Myth: Insulin therapy is addictive
Fact: Insulin is one of the hormones that regulate your blood sugar. It has been used to cure people with type 1 diabetes, as well as those who have what is referred to as “insulin resistance”. Diabetics require insulin initiation for their hormones to remain stable. While injecting multiple times a day does not have the dosage cause addiction, it is still important to manage the regimen properly.
Myth: Insulin injections can hurt
Fact: Many people fear that performing insulin injections is painful. In reality, the process of injecting insulin is less painful than when doctors use a finger prick to measure blood sugar. People with diabetes who are uncomfortable with daily syringe usage can benefit from injector pens that inject insulin into the subcutaneous tissue (the tissue between the skin and muscle) painlessly.
Myth: Insulin therapy leads to hypoglycemia
Fact: Insulin therapy is a way of lowering blood glucose levels, but it also can cause episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you feel faint, dizzy & nauseous while on insulin then seek immediate medical attention. Hypoglycemia can happen but it is rare because of the improved introduction of longer-acting insulins. The risk can be further minimized by taking the insulin as recommended by a doctor.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance – a condition where the body’s cells still produce insulin, but the insulin doesn’t do much to lower blood sugar. In this case, many people with type 2 diabetes may not need to take as many precautions against hypoglycemia as someone with type 1 diabetes. Consuming a small amount of sugary foods or beverages can help reverse lower blood glucose levels.
Myth: Insulin therapy can cause life-threatening complications
Fact: This is inaccurate. Some of the common symptoms of diabetes are sensory neuropathy, nephropathy (kidney/renal damage), retinopathy (eye damage), and foot damage, which means that some people with diabetes are more prone to these complications than others. Microvascular complications like neuropathy are a key part of what makes diabetes potentially life-threatening. Diabetes often leads to complications if health is not taken seriously and it is hard to precisely pinpoint when treatment needs to be implemented. Doctors recommend insulin therapy, along with an active lifestyle and a healthy diet, in order to avoid future complications.
Myth: Insulin prescription indicates failure in managing blood glucose levels
Fact: Type 2 diabetes is a progressive metabolic disease that leads to a need for insulin production by the body. These treatments become less effective over time, even after exercising, changing your diet and taking oral medication. However, this does not mean that a patient has failed in managing diabetes. Insulin therapy is becoming an important part of diabetes treatment, and the use of lifestyle changes is less effective.
Myth: Insulin therapy means multiple shots daily
Fact: This is not always the case. Insulin should be taken with food and supplements to avoid hypoglycemia. Some people may need shots every day making it harder to maintain blood glucose levels. For some people, the blood sugar level may rise too high after a meal. This can need insulin treatment on a daily basis.
Myth: Insulin therapy will continue forever
Fact: It can vary for different individuals, but there are factors that are considered in the duration of insulin therapy. Some may require the therapy temporarily such as during pregnancy, and others may need to stay on it for a longer period than others. Lifestyle changes and lifestyle-related illnesses have gone hand in hand. Those who exercise regularly, avoid unhealthy foods and lose weight are also less likely to need insulin for treatment.
Takeaway
Insulin treatment is used for a variety of conditions, among them low blood sugar levels in diabetics. It’s easy to see why some misconceptions exist about this treatment, yet it has many proven benefits and can really help individuals live a more normal life. Health myths and misconceptions aren’t uncommon, which can lead to negative health outcomes like mismanagement of the disease. The key to avoiding these risks is with the right information, so by educating yourself on a topic like diabetes, you’re better equipped to make informed decisions.
