Just had my latest blood test results at the doctors. It was the highest I ever had at 96.. Going to be referred to the diabetic service as my medication is just not doing anything. The nurse said the next step is insulin injections. Wondering what people thought of the pros and cons of injections. Can you get off them once on them?
Injections - pros and cons
- Thread starter PeterOlding
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satindoll
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- Type of diabetes
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I've been on injections since diagnosis as I can't take the oral meds, and I know I will be on them for life so for me not a choice, but I do know some of the members here have been able to come off injections............. it all depends on the person.
I have no problem with doing the jabs as it meant I was able to control my diabetes better in a very short time frame.
I have no problem with doing the jabs as it meant I was able to control my diabetes better in a very short time frame.
DaftThoughts
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Whether or not you can come off insulin heavily depends on what type of diabetes you have and how much damage your pancreas has sustained, as well as how you manage your diet.
People with the autoimmune variety of diabetes, or conditions that damaged the islets beyond repair, are insulin dependent for life. The body can't produce (enough) insulin anymore so it needs to be supplied through injections or a pump. Short from experimental organ transplants this is not going to get better.
People with type 2 might fall into the former category due to damage to the pancreas, or just because their diet and exercise regime alongside oral meds don't work for them. Some T2s can come off insulin if they strictly manage their diet and exercise (often this means low carbing, but it's not for everyone). This is not a guarantee however.
The cons of injections? You die without them if you need them. You'll end up with raging high values and DKA. Unchecked diabetes increases the risk for long-term complications dramatically.
The pros: you'll be able to get good values, you'll feel better, and be healthier overall. Insulin is just a medication to help you manage your condition. It's not a verdict on your choices and nothing to be ashamed of. If you need it, you need it. MDI (multiple daily injections) allow you to be super flexible with your food and daily routines, while a mix insulin (approx. 2 injections a day) requires you to adhere to a strict diet and carb counting. A pump can also work for people for whom MDI aren't cutting it.
People with the autoimmune variety of diabetes, or conditions that damaged the islets beyond repair, are insulin dependent for life. The body can't produce (enough) insulin anymore so it needs to be supplied through injections or a pump. Short from experimental organ transplants this is not going to get better.
People with type 2 might fall into the former category due to damage to the pancreas, or just because their diet and exercise regime alongside oral meds don't work for them. Some T2s can come off insulin if they strictly manage their diet and exercise (often this means low carbing, but it's not for everyone). This is not a guarantee however.
The cons of injections? You die without them if you need them. You'll end up with raging high values and DKA. Unchecked diabetes increases the risk for long-term complications dramatically.
The pros: you'll be able to get good values, you'll feel better, and be healthier overall. Insulin is just a medication to help you manage your condition. It's not a verdict on your choices and nothing to be ashamed of. If you need it, you need it. MDI (multiple daily injections) allow you to be super flexible with your food and daily routines, while a mix insulin (approx. 2 injections a day) requires you to adhere to a strict diet and carb counting. A pump can also work for people for whom MDI aren't cutting it.
ickihun
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I think @DaftThoughts has it in a nutshell.
If you are needing injections to stop losing your sight of feet then its a no brainer eh?
I am going to have a shot at getting rid of my insulin injections once bariatric surgery is complete.
I'll let you know if I managed it.
It isn't going to be easy, by any means.
Attention, effort and observation will have to be at 100% to do it. Looking after a 4yr old and 10yr old whose dad lives with us with severe anxiety issues and challenging mental health. It won't be a walk in the park.
Any of it.
It may take over a year to know whether I can definitely do it. I have to just try my best.
I'm half way to getting an operation date.
I'm sure everyones fight is of different measures.
I'd like to think some get thinks easy but I've never been one of those people. I've had to fight for any success in my life. Against huge odds.
I'm ready for this fight thou!
If you are needing injections to stop losing your sight of feet then its a no brainer eh?
I am going to have a shot at getting rid of my insulin injections once bariatric surgery is complete.
I'll let you know if I managed it.
It isn't going to be easy, by any means.
Attention, effort and observation will have to be at 100% to do it. Looking after a 4yr old and 10yr old whose dad lives with us with severe anxiety issues and challenging mental health. It won't be a walk in the park.
Any of it.
It may take over a year to know whether I can definitely do it. I have to just try my best.
I'm half way to getting an operation date.
I'm sure everyones fight is of different measures.
I'd like to think some get thinks easy but I've never been one of those people. I've had to fight for any success in my life. Against huge odds.
I'm ready for this fight thou!
Hi. It's quite important to know what type of diabetes you have and whether, in fact, that diagnosis is correct. That can help with long-term medication. What is your BMI and are you having a low-carb diet? If you have excess weight then you will probably be T2 with insulin resistance. Insulin injections may be needed although there are other injectables and weight reduction is the key to getting off any injections. If you are slim and low-carbing you may well be T1. If so, then insulin will be necessary at some point and will be for life as your body will no longer be producing enough insulin. In summary insulin may be essential for T1s and may be an expedient if T2. The main downside of insulin is the nuisance of daily injections but the upside is that it can control blood sugar very well.
