Today’s Insulin | Get Blood Sugar Control
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Today's Insulin

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Why are people afraid of insulin?

For a long time now, there have been misperceptions about insulin. Many people are afraid of insulin. Maybe you or your loved ones grew up with a relative who hated taking insulin. It could have been because the needles that were used to take insulin were large and had to be boiled. Or maybe because it was inconvenient since the medication always had to be refrigerated. Or even that the dosage scale on the syringe was difficult to read because the writing was too small. But that has changed.

Today, there are options, including easy-to-use insulin pens. Insulin pens are compact, discreet, and have fine needles. Also, many don’t require refrigeration once opened. Insulin pens are such an improvement that they’re preferred by 74% of people who are prescribed insulin by their doctor.

DR. JOHN ANDERSON: Internal Medicine, Diabetes Expert "I've seen statistics saying almost three quarters of patients prefer using a pen, so if your doctor wants to start you on insulin, ask about pens." Hear More From Dr. Anderson

What do people think about insulin?

What people think:

Injections are painful.

What the truth is:
Today's insulin needles are smaller and thinner than in the past, generally causing little discomfort.* There are insulin pens that are easy to use.

* The injection discomfort you may feel varies from person to person.

Taking insulin is a sign of personal failure.

What the truth is:
Because type 2 diabetes typically gets harder to manage with time, your body increasingly has trouble producing what it needs to lower blood sugar. This can happen no matter who you are. Adding insulin does not mean that you personally failed. It just means that you need to update your treatment plan to achieve blood sugar control.

Insulin is a "last resort."

What the truth is:
Insulin is not a "last resort." Your doctor may change your treatment plan over time to find what works best for your diabetes. Controlling your blood sugar is what's most important.

Taking insulin shots means I can't maintain my normal
daily activities.

What the truth is:
Most people find that insulin becomes a normal part of their routine. In contrast, the complications that may arise from uncontrolled blood sugar are what can lead to issues that may dramatically change your lifestyle. When added to a treatment plan of diet, exercise, and oral medications, insulin is the most effective option to help you reach your daily blood sugar goals and lower your A1C.

It's "forever."

What the truth is:
With their doctor's advice, many patients choose to stay on insulin, not because it's physically addictive or habit-forming (it's not), but because they see the effect it has on lowering blood sugar and helping them reach their goals.


Important Safety Information About Insulin

The most common side effect of insulin is low blood sugar. Some people may experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision, while some experience no symptoms at all. That’s why it’s important to check your blood sugar often.

Insulin Fact or Fiction

fact or fiction Do you think you know all about insulin? Play the game of Fact or Fiction and find out. You may be surprised to find out what the truth really is.

Play the Game Now

How Insulin Fits In

how_insulin_fits_inIt's common to wonder how insulin fits into a diabetes treatment plan. Get some answers here.

Learn More