Q1: What is insulin?
Insulin is a natural hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body absorb glucose (sugar) for energy. When insulin is insufficient or dysfunctional, blood sugar rises, leading to diabetes.
Q2: When is insulin needed?
- Insufficient insulin production (e.g., Type 1 diabetes)
- Severely high blood sugar (e.g., hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis)
- Kidney dysfunction (when oral medications can’t be used)
- Gestational diabetes (if diet control fails)
- Newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes (short-term intensive therapy may allow switching to oral meds later)
Q3: Does insulin injection hurt?
Modern insulin needles are only 4mm long—thinner than blood glucose test lancets! Most people find it “less painful than finger-prick testing.” Try it once, and you’ll see it’s not as scary as you think!
Q4: Is insulin addictive?
No! Healthy bodies naturally produce insulin. Taking insulin is like wearing glasses for vision—it’s a physiological need, not an addiction.
Q5: Will I need insulin for life once I start?
Not necessarily!
- Type 1 diabetes: Lifelong insulin is required due to absolute deficiency.
- Type 2 diabetes: If pancreatic function improves (e.g., after short-term therapy), oral meds may suffice. But if insulin production declines (e.g., in older adults), insulin acts like a “steady crutch” to support health.
Q6: Does insulin have many side effects?
Insulin does not pass through the liver or kidneys, making it gentler on digestion and safer for those with organ issues. However:
- Hypoglycemia risk: Regular blood sugar monitoring is needed to adjust doses.
- Possible weight gain: Can be managed with diet and exercise.
Q7: Does insulin cause kidney failure, blindness, or amputations?
No! These are complications of long-term uncontrolled high blood sugar, not insulin.
- Kidney failure: Caused by diabetic nephropathy (poor glucose control).
- Blindness: Due to retinopathy (poor glucose control).
- Amputations: Result from vascular or nerve damage (poor glucose control).
Insulin actually helps protect your organs!
Q8: How can I prevent diabetes complications?
Beyond blood sugar control:
✅ Monitor blood pressure (target <130/80 mmHg)
✅ Manage cholesterol (LDL <100 mg/dL)
✅ Quit smoking & exercise regularly (150 mins/week of moderate activity)
✅ Get regular checkups (eye exams, urine tests, foot nerve tests)
💡 Doctor’s Note
Insulin has saved countless lives since its discovery a century ago. Think of it as your body’s “rescue team,” stepping in when needed. Don’t let myths delay treatment—early blood sugar control is key to avoiding complications!
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