Myths about Insulin and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2, the most common form of diabetes, involves either less than normal production of insulin or poor utilization of insulin by the body. In this type of diabetes either there isn't enough insulin or the insulin is not used leading to a higher blood glucose level. The cells don’t function properly when glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells. High glucose levels can damage the nerves and small blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys and heart. It will also pose a higher risk of severe heart diseases and other complications.

Insulin

Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the pancreas which helps convert the glucose into energy for cells. Insulin is crucial for every person with type 1 diabetes and it is also recommended for people with type 2 diabetes after some time. Since type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, normal pills may become lose effectiveness over time and you will be recommended insulin. However there are several myths that commonly confuse people about Type 2 diabetes and insulin. Insulin is among the most misunderstood drugs so much that many people with type 2 diabetes tend to avoid it. However, the truth is that insulin is one of the best treatments available for diabetes.

You did not Cause It

Diabetes is not something that you caused. No matter what you ate or how inactive you had been, you had no control on your insulin. The insulin failure is something that just happens. You may however improve the situation by following the recommendations of your health care provider. Also if your doctor believes that you should take insulin rather than pills, it is not a sign of failure. Insulin is one of the best treatments for type 2 diabetes.

Insulin is Not an Indicator of Health

People usually take the amount of insulin they have been recommended as a measure of their illness. The amount of insulin a person must take is not related to the severity of the illness. It depends on the person and the insulin utilization. The amount required may vary from person to person and may not be a sign of the severity of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes or Insulin is not painful

Most people think type 2 diabetes and especially insulin treatment is going to be painful and very difficult on them. However that is not the case. Insulin acts like any other drug and is used to balance blood glucose levels in the body. Proper insulin treatment along with healthy lifestyle changes can prove to be very effective for a type 2 diabetes patient.

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