Mild diabetes? There's no such thing!
In some ways, things are simpler for people with type 1 diabetes. They know from the moment they are diagnosed that they will have to take insulin for the rest of their lives. For those with type 2 diabetes, who usually start off by using diet and/or tablets to control their condition, the prospect of moving onto insulin can be daunting.
It may be partly that, if you have type 2 diabetes, you feel that in some way that you have a ‘less serious’ condition, and the fact that you don’t have to take insulin may seem to confirm that for you. But, of course, we know that there’s no such thing as mild diabetes. If you have diabetes, you need to take it seriously, whatever treatment you are on.
Many people with type 2 diabetes eventually have their treatment switched from tablets to insulin, usually because their condition is no longer adequately controlled by tablets and diet alone. In fact, it is becoming common medical practice to start people on insulin earlier rather than wait until poor control makes it advisable to switch to insulin.
Why the early move to insulin?
Results from medical trials suggests that starting people on insulin sooner rather than later leads to better blood glucose control and to fewer complications of diabetes, such as retinopathy or nerve damage. In the past, both doctors and patients were reluctant to turn to insulin because of the implication that the diabetes had ‘got worse’. But this perception is far from the truth. By going onto insulin earlier, you can achieve tighter control of your diabetes, so that not only do you feel better day-to-day, but you also reduce your risk of future complications.
But I hate the thought of injections
The thought of having regular injections every day puts many people off. Certainly, it’s a big change to you daily routine, but most people find they soon get used to it and, with the many injection devices available, injecting has never been so simple. Some people are worried by the thought of needles, and if this is the case with you, make sure you get plenty of help and reassurance from your diabetes nurse. The injections themselves are painless as today’s needles are so short and fine. Once you’ve been shown the correct technique, you’ll soon be injecting confidently. What’s more, with an insulin pen you can inject when you’re out and about, so there’s little disruption to your daily activities.
So if your doctor is talking about the possibility of moving onto insulin, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean you’ve gone from having ‘mild’ diabetes to ‘serious’ diabetes. It simply means your doctor believes you will get better control of your diabetes through using insulin – and the better that control is, the better you will feel.
The progress of diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes often start by using diet and exercise to control their condition.
Many people with type 2 diabetes move on to tablets if diet alone is not enough to keep their blood glucose under control.
All people with type 1 diabetes have daily insulin injections. Many people with type 2 diabetes eventually move from tablets to insulin as their condition progresses.
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INS/740/0207
Last updated: May 2007