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Moving on to insulin treatment can seem like a big step. You may feel frustrated that your previous treatment didn't work or worry that injections will be painful, or at least inconvenient.
Insulin is an injectable medicine made up of insulin hormone suspended in a solution. Unfortunately, insulin cannot be taken as a tablet - it would be destroyed by your digestive system before it could start working.
Most people with type 2 diabetes use an injectable pen to take insulin. Injection pens are designed to be discreet and easy to use. There is a broad range available to suit different needs, including pre-filled and refillable pens. Some even have a hidden needle.
Your healthcare professional will be able to recommend the pen and injection schedule that best suits your lifestyle and will show you how to administer injections yourself.
Insulin treatment doesn't have to slow you down. Once you've mastered
your injection technique, you'll find it only takes a minute or two
and can be done almost anywhere. Insulin pens are light, easy to carry
and ultra-discreet.
You don't need to keep the insulin
you are using in the fridge all the time, you can also store it
between 2°C and 8°C (35°F and 47°F). Your open disposable pen or
insulin cartridge will last four weeks at room temperature (not above
30°C) or fridge (2°C to 8°C). Just don’t leave it in a car or anywhere
it could get too hot or cold.
High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycaemia – or a 'hyper' – can
make you to feel unwell. Knowing the warning signs (thirst, hunger,
excessive urination) and how to deal with them is the best way to
overcome anxiety.
Low blood sugar levels are called
hypoglycaemia or hypos, and you can read about them here. Speak
to your doctor or diabetes care team about how to manage your blood
sugar, and avoid hypos and hypers. Your doctor will be able to help
you adjust your dose.
People often put on weight when they start insulin treatment,
although the amount gained differs from person to person. Some people
do not put on any weight at all. Why does this happen?
When your diabetes is not well controlled, excess blood sugar is
flushed out in your urine. Starting on insulin treatment improves your
body's ability to absorb glucose from the food you eat, and what you
don't use for energy gets stored as fat. This means you may put on
weight, even if you eat the same amount as before. You may also gain
weight if you snack more to avoid hypoglycaemia.
