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You are here: Home / Medications and Monitoring Health / Is Insulin Right For Your Diabetes?

Is Insulin Right For Your Diabetes?

January 8, 2021 By Toby Smithson

Insulin is the most effective treatment for high blood sugar levels but is often reserved as a “last resort” for treating type 2 diabetes. Are these reservations justified? What if your doctor recommends insulin for you?

Hi again….I’m Toby Smithson with Diabetes Everyday hoping to make the diabetes management part of your life easier and even more effective. Please subscribe to this channel and visit my website diabeteseveryday.com for more of everything related to successful diabetes management and make sure to sign up for my newsletter.

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I’ve been thinking this past week about insulin, and I’ve been thinking about insulin because I participated in a fantastic podcast about the story of insulin. I’m a big fan mostly because the availability of insulin as a treatment for type 1 diabetes has literally kept me alive for the past 50 years. Historical references to diabetes may date back to as long as 5,000 years ago. And for thousands of years, diabetes meant one thing – certain death, mostly for children. The purification of insulin for clinical use is only approaching its 100th anniversary, and it is a remarkable story. You can find that podcast here and you can find me at about the 33-minute mark….I was not around 100 years ago so it takes the story a while to catch up to me.

Insulin For Type 2 Diabetes

But let’s talk about insulin for type 2 diabetes…..insulin for you. Obviously, I won’t speculate on whether insulin is the right treatment for you – that’s between you and your doctor. But I can tell you that if your doctor recommends insulin there are excellent reasons you should consider it. Considering that insulin is exactly how people regulate blood sugar naturally it is arguably the best solution for managing diabetes.

Here are some common concerns, starting with one that’s simply not true.
  • Insulin does not cause or promote diabetes complications. If you’ve heard that, sorry- it’s simply wrong. The consistently high blood sugar levels of unmanaged diabetes over time causes complications, not insulin
  • Technically, insulin does not cause weight gain. It is true that weight gain is common when people begin taking insulin, however, because you will likely store glucose more efficiently instead of eliminating excess glucose in urine.
  • Insulin requires injections – true except that there is an option for inhalable insulin, and even if that’s not right for you, subcutaneous injections….just under the skin….aren’t so bad. I started as an 8-year-old. In some cases, insulin as a pump may be available to you, and that’s a whole new level of comfort.
  • Insulin can cause low blood sugar– now we’re down to the real concern. Insulin CAN cause dangerously low blood sugar levels, and its effect is not always predictable. That makes insulin not appropriate for some and requires more careful checking of blood sugar levels for anyone taking insulin. In the case of checking blood sugar levels, a continuous glucose monitor is a wonderful option.

Be Sure To Check Out – How To Treat a Low Blood Sugar

In type 2 diabetes insulin is often held as a last resort for treatment, and some diabetes experts think that’s not an ideal use of this effective tool for managing blood glucose. Owing so much to insulin myself, my opinion would be biased. But again, if your doctor brings it up I would just encourage you to give it fair consideration.

Be Sure To Check Out – A Simple Trick To Better Manage Blood Sugar

Insulin has saved hundreds of millions….maybe even billions… of lives over the past 100 years. That’s hard to ignore.

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Filed Under: Medications and Monitoring Health

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Toby Smithson dynamically combines her knowledge as a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian nutritionist with her life experiences successfully managing type 1 diabetes for more than five decades.

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Happy #NationalNutritionMonth! Loving this list of #dietitiantips for #mealprep  Anything new that you plan on trying?  @christinejbyrne @myfitnesspal @kimyawitz_rdn @weight.loss.dietitian @bethstark.rdn @amydgorin @chefgirl_nutrition @no.waste.nutrition @cheerfulchoices @nutrigirl66 @jsmartnutrition @prettynutritious_ @amandaterillo @eatright_pro #eatrightpro #nnmchat #healthyeating #mealprepping #mealprepideas https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/tips-from-dietitians-for-better-meal-prep/

Happy #NationalNutritionMonth! Loving this list of #dietitiantips for #mealprep Anything new that you plan on trying? @christinejbyrne @myfitnesspal @kimyawitz_rdn @weight.loss.dietitian @bethstark.rdn @amydgorin @chefgirl_nutrition @no.waste.nutrition @cheerfulchoices @nutrigirl66 @jsmartnutrition @prettynutritious_ @amandaterillo @eatright_pro #eatrightpro #nnmchat #healthyeating #mealprepping #mealprepideas https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/tips-from-dietitians-for-better-meal-prep/ ...

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Took the opportunity to #relax at the beach. Our #englishspringerspaniel  loved letting the breeze blow her hair and watching other dogs swim in the ocean ❤️ #relaxationtime #englishspringerrescueamerica #loveourdog @smithsonanthony

Took the opportunity to #relax at the beach. Our #englishspringerspaniel loved letting the breeze blow her hair and watching other dogs swim in the ocean ❤️ #relaxationtime #englishspringerrescueamerica #loveourdog @smithsonanthony ...

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Feb 26

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Took my #englishspringerspaniel for a walk to the #beach to meetup with her sister. I feel like this photo can be straight out of a movie. What’s the caption you’d write for this photo?  #relaxationtime #stressrelief #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielsofig #diabetesmanagement

Took my #englishspringerspaniel for a walk to the #beach to meetup with her sister. I feel like this photo can be straight out of a movie. What’s the caption you’d write for this photo? #relaxationtime #stressrelief #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielsofig #diabetesmanagement ...

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Feb 24

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Nobody asks for this job but if you’ve been diagnosed with #type1diabetes or #type2diabetes, you are a “ #Diabetes Manager”. 
Note: #healthylifestyle is number 1 on the daily task list. #healthyeating #exercise #monitoring #bloodsugar #diabetesmanagement 
#diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity  #diabeteslife  https://youtu.be/BmV54BJZ0aQ

Nobody asks for this job but if you’ve been diagnosed with #type1diabetes or #type2diabetes, you are a “ #Diabetes Manager”.
Note: #healthylifestyle is number 1 on the daily task list. #healthyeating #exercise #monitoring #bloodsugar #diabetesmanagement
#diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabeteslife

https://youtu.be/BmV54BJZ0aQ
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Feb 24

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Trying something new this year for our #vegetablegarden by growing #tomatoes and #bellpeppers via a #hydroponicgarden .  Does anyone have any tips for replanting in my garden after last frost date?  #haveaplant #freshtomatoes #healthyeating #stressrelief #freshvegetables #southcarolina

Trying something new this year for our #vegetablegarden by growing #tomatoes and #bellpeppers via a #hydroponicgarden . Does anyone have any tips for replanting in my garden after last frost date? #haveaplant #freshtomatoes #healthyeating #stressrelief #freshvegetables #southcarolina ...

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Feb 21

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#diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetessupport #diabeteseducation #type1diabetes #type2diabetes

#diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetessupport #diabeteseducation #type1diabetes #type2diabetes ...

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Best picks from myself and fellow dietitians when driving thru the #fastfood lane.  @huffingtonpost_ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/healthy-fast-food-drive-thru_l_5ff5ce55c5b665581f66efe2

Best picks from myself and fellow dietitians when driving thru the #fastfood lane. @huffingtonpost_ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/healthy-fast-food-drive-thru_l_5ff5ce55c5b665581f66efe2 ...

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Happy #NationalLoveYourDogDay Addie. Rescuing you was one of the best things that happened in 2020! #EnglishSpringer #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel  #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue

Happy #NationalLoveYourDogDay Addie. Rescuing you was one of the best things that happened in 2020! #EnglishSpringer #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue ...

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Feb 18

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It was a lot of fun watching a movie that our #englishspringerspaniel loved too! She was listening to every chirp from the magpie in the Penguin Bloom movie. #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerrescue

It was a lot of fun watching a movie that our #englishspringerspaniel loved too! She was listening to every chirp from the magpie in the Penguin Bloom movie. #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerrescue ...

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Happy #cannedfoodmonth ! With all the winter storms or heavy rain we’ve experienced, it’s a perfect time to make sure your pantry is well stocked. Video link in YouTube bio. #cannedfoodfan @pacificcoastproducers1971 #cannedfruit #cannedfood #diabetes #cannedtomatoes #diabetesmanagement @cannedfoodfan #healthyeating

Happy #cannedfoodmonth ! With all the winter storms or heavy rain we’ve experienced, it’s a perfect time to make sure your pantry is well stocked. Video link in YouTube bio. #cannedfoodfan @pacificcoastproducers1971 #cannedfruit #cannedfood #diabetes #cannedtomatoes #diabetesmanagement @cannedfoodfan #healthyeating ...

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Very important message for everyone although this #video is directly related to people with #diabetes . Link to video is in bio under #youtube.  Are you hard on yourself? A perfectionist? Do you show yourself #compassion? Thank you @diabetesredefined for sharing your wisdom. #bekind #bekindtoyourself #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunityonline

Very important message for everyone although this #video is directly related to people with #diabetes . Link to video is in bio under #youtube. Are you hard on yourself? A perfectionist? Do you show yourself #compassion? Thank you @diabetesredefined for sharing your wisdom. #bekind #bekindtoyourself #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunityonline ...

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Shout out to canned foods during #nationalcannedfoods month. People with #diabetes can choose the option of canned #fruits in natural juice instead of light or heavy syrup. #cannedfoods Pacific Coast Producers Fan Page #cannedfruit #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #diabetescommunity #diabetesfriendly @pacificcoastproducers1971

Shout out to canned foods during #nationalcannedfoods month. People with #diabetes can choose the option of canned #fruits in natural juice instead of light or heavy syrup. #cannedfoods Pacific Coast Producers Fan Page #cannedfruit #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #diabetescommunity #diabetesfriendly @pacificcoastproducers1971 ...

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Looking for some new #recipes that are #hearthealthy ? I’m thankful that fellow registered dietitians @cindykleckner and @chewthefacts loaned me one of their #fish recipes to share with you all.  Check out this video link in my bio. #americanheartassociation  #wearredday #diabetesfriendly #lowcarb #diabetescommunity #dashdiet #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes

Looking for some new #recipes that are #hearthealthy ? I’m thankful that fellow registered dietitians @cindykleckner and @chewthefacts loaned me one of their #fish recipes to share with you all. Check out this video link in my bio. #americanheartassociation #wearredday #diabetesfriendly #lowcarb #diabetescommunity #dashdiet #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes ...

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Thrilled to receive #covidvaccine #2. 
Aside from my happiness of no snow, no freezing temperatures, I’m also glad to live in a small town where it literally took me 10 minutes to drive to the vaccine clinic at the local hospital. #stayingsafe #stayinghealthy

Thrilled to receive #covidvaccine #2.
Aside from my happiness of no snow, no freezing temperatures, I’m also glad to live in a small town where it literally took me 10 minutes to drive to the vaccine clinic at the local hospital. #stayingsafe #stayinghealthy
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I LOVE this topic on #ForestBathing and even more research has emerged about the benefits during uncertain times. #selfcare #stressfreechallenge @usnews  How to Use Nature to Reduce Stress – and More
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/benefits-of-forest-bathing-for-stress
Research shows that forest bathing offers significant benefits for physical and mental health. New studies show it can also help manage blood sugar levels for people with #diabetes.

I LOVE this topic on #ForestBathing and even more research has emerged about the benefits during uncertain times. #selfcare #stressfreechallenge @usnews

How to Use Nature to Reduce Stress – and More
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/benefits-of-forest-bathing-for-stress
Research shows that forest bathing offers significant benefits for physical and mental health. New studies show it can also help manage blood sugar levels for people with #diabetes.
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Jan 27

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This is one of the most asked questions... what’s the best #snack? Here is my response...
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #healthyeating #nuts @californiaalmonds almonds @superseedz #fruit #haveaplant #cheese #yogurt #tea #coffee #vegetables #chiaseeds 
Video link in bio

This is one of the most asked questions... what’s the best #snack? Here is my response...
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #healthyeating #nuts @californiaalmonds almonds @superseedz #fruit #haveaplant #cheese #yogurt #tea #coffee #vegetables #chiaseeds
Video link in bio
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Jan 21

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Celebrating #NationalOatmealMonth with the lowdown on best and favorite choices for people with #diabetes. Info is good for everyone to hear.  P.S .I eat #oats every morning all year long. #oatmealmonth #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #carbs #carbohydrates #fiber
@bobsredmill @quaker  #oatmeal #steelcutoats #rolledoats #quickoats #hemphearts @manitobaharvest @almondsmx #pistachios #peanuts #eggenthusiast @wonderfulpistachios @peanutrd @peanutinstitute @egg.nutrition 
Video link in bio.

Celebrating #NationalOatmealMonth with the lowdown on best and favorite choices for people with #diabetes. Info is good for everyone to hear. P.S .I eat #oats every morning all year long. #oatmealmonth #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #carbs #carbohydrates #fiber
@bobsredmill @quaker #oatmeal #steelcutoats #rolledoats #quickoats #hemphearts @manitobaharvest @almondsmx #pistachios #peanuts #eggenthusiast @wonderfulpistachios @peanutrd @peanutinstitute @egg.nutrition
Video link in bio.
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Jan 15

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Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio  #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes  #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever

Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever ...

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Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot

Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot ...

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