Understanding Myths and Facts About Insulin in Diabetics

There are many rumors that developing in the community around insulin therapy for diabetics; for example, insulin makes sufferers addicted to causing weight gain. How does the medical world view this information? Check out the explanation below.

Myths and Facts About Insulin in Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Starting therapy can be very intimidating for those of you who have never experienced it before. Knowing some information can help you to ease your fears. Here are some explanations about insulin and diabetes myths that are developing in society, including:

1. Myth: People with Type 2 Diabetes Always Need Insulin Injections

Fact: Insulin injections are not always prescribed by a doctor, this therapy is given depending on the body condition of the diabetic patient.

Generally, doctors will prescribe insulin injections when other treatments cannot help bring blood sugar levels within the normal range. This method can help prevent diabetes complications.

The doctor will measure blood sugar, namely an HbA1c examination or also called hemoglobin A1c. This test will measure the average blood sugar over two to three months.

When the hemoglobin A1c measurement shows above 9 percent and the body shows symptoms of type 2 diabetes, the doctor will give insulin therapy as a short-term treatment so that blood sugar can drop quickly.

However, when the body loses most of the cells responsible for making insulin, the patient will need insulin injections. At this stage, there are no drugs that can help maintain blood sugar, so insulin injections are needed.

People who have lived with diabetes for 10 to 20 years will generally need insulin injection therapy.

For those of you who are in the early stages of diabetes, doctors will generally advise you to make lifestyle changes or take certain medications to control blood sugar.

Also Read: 6 Benefits of Consuming Yellow Pumpkin for Diabetics

Myth 2: Insulin injections hurt

Fact: Insulin injections are painless because they are injected into the fat layer under the skin.

One of the insulin myths circulating is that insulin therapy is painful. Many people think that because insulin therapy is done by injection.

However, insulin injections only use small, fine needles. It is these needles that make insulin therapy painless or cause very little pain.

The most appropriate insulin injection in diabetics is done in the fat area under the skin. You can pinch this area of ​​fat, insert the needle, and make sure the needle doesn’t move while injecting the insulin.

If you experience bruising after an insulin injection, it means that the needle hit a small blood vessel. No need to worry, these bruises will disappear in a few days.

Myth 3: Insulin Can Cause a Drop in Blood Sugar

Fact: hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a common side effect seen in patients who receive insulin injections at the wrong dose.

Each individual’s reaction to insulin can be different. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor if you often experience hypoglycemia because you might receive the wrong dose.

The symptoms of hypoglycemia are feeling anxious, shaking hands, and sweating. When left untreated, hypoglycemia can cause loss of consciousness.

You can overcome hypoglycemia by consuming glucose tablets, candy, or drinking half a glass of fruit juice.

Several factors can increase the risk of hypoglycemia such as miscalculating doses, skipping meals, and doing intense exercise without adjusting insulin doses.

Myth 4: Diabetics Need Lifetime Insulin Injections

Fact: Dosage and frequency of insulin therapy can change according to changes in lifestyle.

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, meaning that the treatment plan can change according to the condition of the body.

Some people with type 2 diabetes may need insulin therapy for a certain period of time. This is influenced by how severe the condition of the cells that produce insulin.

Myth 5: Insulin Will Cause Weight Gain

Fact: Weight gain is a side effect of insulin therapy because the body can use glucose properly.

Some people do experience weight gain after receiving insulin therapy. This weight gain is caused by glucose which can be spread to cells properly.

Apart from that, insulin is also a growth hormone which can make you feel more hungry and end up eating more than what your body needs.

To overcome this, you need to improve your diet and make lifestyle changes to maintain your weight.

Myth 6: People with Type 2 Diabetes Cannot Produce Insulin

Fact: People with diabetes can produce more insulin than normal people, but their bodies are unable to use it.

Type 2 diabetes is a health condition in which glucose builds up in the blood.

There are two causes of type 2 diabetes: first, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body. Second, type 2 diabetes can also be caused by the body not being able to use glucose as energy due to the body not being able to respond to insulin (insulin resistance).

If the body is unable to produce insulin, then this condition falls into the category of type 1 diabetes. This condition requires insulin injections.

Also Read: Frequent Urinating, Is It Really a Sign of Diabetes Insipidus?

Myth 7: Insulin injections should always be done in the same place

Fact: It doesn’t always have to be done at the same point, but insulin injections need to be done at the same area of ​​the body.

The area of ​​the body where the insulin is injected will affect how quickly the insulin enters the blood. Insulin is known to work the fastest when injected in the stomach area. When injected into the arm and thigh area, the speed is slower.

Insulin injections in the same area of ​​the body will give the best results. This will allow the insulin to enter the blood at the same rate each time it is injected.

Now,, those are various myths and facts about insulin in diabetics. I hope this information is helpful.

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