When to start Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes:
Blood sugar control is one of the most important aspect of type 2 diabetes management.
Although you may be able to treat the condition with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight loss, and with oral medications at first, most people with type 2 diabetes eventually need to take insulin.
Insulin is required in two scenarios in type 2 diabetes
1.Insulin for short term blood sugar control
Insulin is used short term when HbA1C levels exceed 9% or when the patient is admitted in hospital for surgeries or infections.
2.Insulin for Long-Term Blood Sugar Control
After 10 to 20 years, almost all patients with type 2 diabetes will eventually need to take insulin
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and that treatment plans will change in the long term.
The Switch to Insulin
Most patients are started on a long-acting insulin that does not need to be matched with food intake.
Many patients are also started on premixed insulin which have to be taken before food.
Insulin pens that are preloaded are replacing insulin that needs to be drawn up into a syringe.
The key to an easy transition to insulin is education.
Patients need to be educated about how their insulin works, how to give it, and what side effects to look for.
Sometimes insulin may be combined with oral medication.
Here are important insulin basics:
Your dosing schedule and insulin type will depend on how advanced your diabetes is, your weight, your age, your physical activity, and your diet. "There is no 'standard dose' for insulin.
Work with your diabetologist to come up with a blood sugar testing schedule at home.
Learn the symptoms of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, and what to do if you have them.
The goal of type 2 diabetes treatment is early blood sugar control to prevent complications and halt progression.
Plus, don't forget that a healthy lifestyle is always part of the treatment plan.....