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What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that affects your body’s ability to process glucose (sugar) properly. It occurs when your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it doesn’t use it efficiently. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used as energy. Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease, is usually caused by lifestyle factors, such as being overweight and not getting enough exercise. It can also be caused by genetics.
When Do Doctors Prescribe Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes?
Most people with type 2 diabetes can manage their condition with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and by taking oral medications. In some cases, however, insulin may be prescribed. This is typically done when lifestyle modifications and medications are not enough to control the person’s blood sugar levels. Insulin may also be prescribed if the person experiences frequent low blood sugar episodes, known as hypoglycemia.
When Is Insulin Prescribed?
Insulin is usually prescribed when lifestyle modifications and oral medications are not enough to control the person’s blood sugar levels. This can happen if the person has poorly controlled diabetes, if they have a more severe form of the condition, or if they have developed certain complications of diabetes. The doctor may also prescribe insulin if the person has a history of recurrent hypoglycemia, or if they are pregnant.
Types of Insulin
There are several different types of insulin available, each of which works differently. Short-acting insulin is used to control glucose levels between meals and is usually taken before meals. Long-acting insulin is used to provide a consistent level of glucose throughout the day and is usually taken once or twice daily. Rapid-acting insulin is used to control glucose levels shortly after meals and is usually taken after meals. Lastly, premixed insulin is a combination of short-acting and long-acting insulin.
What to Expect When Starting Insulin
When starting insulin, the doctor will usually start with a low dose and gradually increase it until the person’s blood sugar levels are in a safe range. It is important to monitor the person’s blood sugar levels during this time to ensure they are not too low or too high. The doctor may also suggest lifestyle modifications to help the person better manage their diabetes.
Side Effects of Insulin
Insulin can cause some side effects, such as weight gain, low blood sugar, and injection site reactions. It is important to talk to a doctor about any side effects that occur, as they may need to adjust the dosage or switch to a different type of insulin. In some cases, a different medication may be a better option.
Conclusion
Insulin is a medication that is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is usually prescribed when lifestyle modifications and oral medications are not enough to control the person’s blood sugar levels. There are several different types of insulin available, and the doctor may need to adjust the dosage or switch to a different type of insulin if side effects occur. It is important to talk to a doctor about any concerns or questions regarding insulin.