What comes to your mind when you think of insulin – a life-saving medicine that helps manage diabetes or a painful injection? This is often the case in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), where the fear of needles deters many from starting insulin therapy early, leading to life-threatening consequences. T2D comprises over 90% of the total cases of diabetes and occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or use it properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. If not controlled, it can cause serious issues like heart disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. In India, where 101 million people suffer from diabetes, treating this condition effectively has become extremely important. To know more about how one can overcome the fear, we reached out to Dr. Nilakshi Deka, Endocrinologist, Apollo Hospitals G S Road in Guwahati who shared some helpful tips.
Managing diabetes requires lifestyle changes and medication. Among the available treatment options , insulin has been used for over a century and is the most effective medication for reducing blood sugar levels. However, nearly 50% of patients tend to avoid insulin due to fear of needles.
Innovations in insulin therapy
Gone are the days when insulin was associated with cumbersome injections, multiple pricks, and complex delivery systems. Over the past several decades, easy delivery methods such as insulin pens and advances like continuous glucose monitoring have made diabetes management more convenient. For instance, in some cases, long-acting insulins that need to be taken only once daily may be sufficient for glucose control. The availability of pens has made insulin treatment accessible to everyone, irrespective of their age and lifestyle. Moreover, the latest advancements have resulted in once-a-week insulin injections, making treatment easier.
Also Read: Can A Low-fat Vegan Diet Reduce Insulin Requirement In Type 1 Diabetes?
Overcoming the pain of insulin injections
These days needles have become smaller and insulin injections have become nearly painless. Moreover, modern insulin needles are designed for comfort, so that patients can manage their health without the worry of pain. Here are some more ways to reduce the pain due to needles:
- Learn the correct technique for injection
- Use smaller needles or microneedles (specific to the delivery device)
- Change the needle frequently
- Keep the insulin pen at room temperature for a short before injecting, i.e. don’t use it immediately after refrigeration
Counselling patients is critical to allay their fears and dispel any misconceptions. Furthermore, many patients may view insulin as the last resort in their diabetes journey. Educating them about the effectiveness of insulin therapy and the advantages of good blood sugar control can go a long way towards increasing acceptance.
Diabetes is a complex disease that affects the body in various ways. Hence, all treatment avenues that can help in achieving control of this disease must be explored, be it lifestyle modifications or medications. Achieving good blood sugar control as early as possible can help reduce the risk of complications. Starting insulin, the most effective treatment for glucose control can provide promising results and improve quality of life. Counselling patients and providing them with the right tools to overcome their fear of injections can increase insulin acceptance and help create a meaningful difference. Reach out to your doctor today to learn more about insulin therapy and how it can help you.