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Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is There Some Trick To Staying Off Insulin?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Inverary, ON

(another 2 part blurb)

For many Type 2’s the ultimate fear is – “I don’t want to end up on Insulin”

We are just collectively afraid of the stuff and most Doctors likewise don’t want to have to prescribe it, at least initially, due to the stigma around it

I personally don’t quite understand it

Why are we so afraid of the actual substance that we produce ourselves and is at the root of our disease?

We are Type 2 because we either don’t produce enough ourselves or are resistant to using it, or… read more

January 21, 2023 (edited)
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A DiabetesTeam Member

And one simple fact is, the longer you live with Diabetes the greater the odds you will require supplemental insulin

Why?

It is required when you simply don’t make enough yourself to overcome your need with or without any resistance to using it

Natural Production Levels go Down over time simply as we age – everything wears out or gets tired including the Pancreas

But running it at “full throttle” for years burns it out faster

Yes, Gliclazide or Ozempic or many of the others does a great job “today”, but there is a cost – it will reduce our Pancreatic function “tomorrow” and when those drugs have squeezed the last unit of insulin out of ourselves we will need an outside source

And the younger you are when you start using those meds, the younger you will be (relatively) when you come to the end of that road.

So what can you do?

You can lessen your reliance on those medications by doing more yourself

If you need a reason to get more active, watch what you eat a little closer, lose those few pounds, fight off those foods that just “jump down your throat” despite you resisting with all your mite, do so because your fear of having to inject yourself is greater

The longer you can stay off meds or reduce the amount required “today” the longer you will be able to dodge that Insulin bullet that many fear

The only reason why “historically” the odds of needing it were 1 in 5 was because we were older when diagnosed. That is changing plus the meds we use today, that weren’t available even 20 years ago, are really putting a strain on our pancreas – yes, they work today but will cause burn out sooner than we have ever seen in the past

A bit of food for thought..

January 21, 2023 (edited)
A DiabetesTeam Member

I'm hoping to never need insulin and doing what I can (finally) to avoid it. That being said, because of the really positive experience and outcome I had treating a diabetic cat for his type II with insulin, I think I might choose insulin, over the meds, if I ever need medication for diabetes.

With my cat I changed his diet, he lost a lot of weight and treated him with the bovine insulin as recommended (step by step) in a book written by a vet. He had bs of 500 at the time of diagnosis and after the treatment I provided, was healthy, no longer required insulin and went on to live a long healthy life (much thinner).

Based on that experience, I *think* I would rather use insulin short-term in order for my pancreas to mend (as it did for my cat). The book offered a formula where I first had to find his nadir (lowest point) and then base his dose on that information, to eliminate risk of hypoglycemia. I think it was referred to as tight control. Anyways, if I ever get high bs numbers I would want to do the same-which is to use insulin as a short-term treatment to make my pancreas and organs healthy again, (instead of being dependent on drugs (insulin or otherwise), for the rest of my life. I found insulin (bovine) was the way to heal a diabetic cat-I am wondering if insulin is also the way to heal a diabetic human? That's what I would explore (if I needed diabetic meds).

January 21, 2023 (edited)
A DiabetesTeam Member

I really think ,it's all about willpower, and, of course, keep on following the requirements, exercise, food intake, and ,your medications. On the personal side, I lost my partner seven years ago, while she was taking six insulin shots daily; some people would say, well, she was probably, too far gone, when her Doctor ordered her , to take the shots, probably true, but, seeing her willingness,and trying so hard, to stay alive, was all ,in vain. At that point, I made myself a promise, that I would never use insulin, as long ,as I could, by following my Diabetes type 2 requirements, and, using my willpower; this is, my personal opinion. Be strong, my fellow Diabetics, never give up.

January 21, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

Managing diabetes effectively to potentially stay off insulin involves several strategies:

- Diet: Adopting a healthy diet, such as a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, can help manage blood sugar levels
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can lower blood sugar and improve overall health.
- Medication Adherence: Taking Show Full Answer

Managing diabetes effectively to potentially stay off insulin involves several strategies:

- Diet: Adopting a healthy diet, such as a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, can help manage blood sugar levels.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can lower blood sugar and improve overall health.
- Medication Adherence: Taking prescribed medications consistently and as directed.
- Communication: Regularly communicating with your healthcare team to adjust your treatment plan as needed.

For more detailed information, you can visit [Staying in Control of Your Diabetes | DiabetesTeam](https://www.DiabetesTeam.com/resources/staying-...).

July 14
A DiabetesTeam Member

Mind ( my apologies) typing error again

June 9, 2023

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