6 Myths About Insulin Shots

If you're a diabetic, and your insulin tablets are no longer regulating your condition, it may be time to start on insulin shots. However, due to a lot of myths about it, you might be reluctant to go to the doctor. Well, don't be afraid. Taking insulin shots today is not like it used to be. Read on and find out the truth behind common myths about insulin shots that might be plaguing you. The source of this information comes from OUTSMART Diabetes PreventionGUIDE - a document designed to help people suffering with this disease.

1. "Once you start taking insulin shots, you never stop." Insulin shots are not always prescribed as long term diabetic treatment. A doctor may prescribe a diabetic patient insulin shots only for a short time in order to get blood sugar levels under control or until they've changed their lifestyle. So, insulin therapy is customized based on the specialized need of a diabetic.

2. "Liquid insulin always has to be refrigerated." All liquid insulin doesn't have to be refrigerated. Many times, it is refrigerated only until it's first opened and then it can be stored at room temperature.

3. "Insulin shots hurt!" Due to medical technology, insulin needles are much smaller. So that big needle grandma used to shoot herself with insulin is passe. Modern day insulin shots are relatively painless and if they do hurt its usually due to a "dull" needle.

4. "Insulin shots make you sick." Unless you're allergic to it, insulin will make you feel much better. Why? It'll get your blood sugar levels under control which will boost your energy and lower diabetes complications. You'll feel much better sooner than later.

5. "Wait as long as you can to take insulin shots." If diabetes is undetected for a long period, a doctor may put a new patient on insulin shots right away to get sugar levels under control. Then, after it goes down to a normal level, he'll take them off. So, early insulin therapy can actually help a diabetic down the road to health quicker.

6. "Insulin shots makes you lose your sight." This is a misconception from people who've seen diabetics lose eye sight or even limbs after going on insulin. However, what is not understood is that people who suffer from loss of sight or limb usually suffer from diabetes without treatment or proper self-care for years and this is the true source of their injury - not insulin. Insulin was just their doctors way of trying to prevent them from long-term impairment from diabetes.

Source:

OUTSMART Diabetes PreventionGUIDE