The Importance of Insulin
Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert blood sugar or glucose from the foods we eat into useable energy. The treatment of diabetes is based on balancing your insulin levels with your blood sugar levels. When these levels are in balance, you are in control.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), blood glucose levels are under control if:
- Your daily home monitoring tests show levels close to 90–130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL within 2 hours after meals, and
- You keep your A1C test scores under 7%
Talk to your doctor to find out what goals are right for you.
Insulin, glucose, and diabetes
When you have diabetes, you have too much sugar in your bloodstream. Here's what happens:
- You eat, and the food—most foods, not just sweets—breaks down into sugar/glucose
- The sugar goes into your bloodstream
- Your body recognizes the rising levels of blood sugar but cannot produce enough insulin, or cannot use the insulin it does produce properly
- Without insulin, the sugar cannot move from your bloodstream to your cells
- The sugar builds up to higher-than-normal levels in your bloodstream
- Your cells don't get the sugar they need, and the higher blood sugar level puts you at an increased risk for the complications associated with diabetes
Insulin—a necessary pathway to glucose control
Your body no longer produces and/or uses insulin well enough to keep your A1C levels in a normal range. The ADA recommends that your A1C level be less than 7% for good blood sugar control. If your blood sugar isn't controlled, you may be at risk of developing serious diabetes complications later.
Fortunately, you may be able to give your body the insulin it needs.
You can do it!
Work with your healthcare team to set up an overall diabetes treatment plan to help control your blood sugar levels. Be sure you understand what you have been told. Ask questions. Write down the answers. And follow the instructions carefully and completely. This can make adding insulin to your diabetes therapy more manageable.
"At first I thought taking insulin would be challenging. But after working with my doctor to find the right insulin to include in my overall diabetes treatment plan,
I was pleasantly surprised with my results. Now my blood sugar and A1C levels are under good control. I'm even thinking, 'Why didn't I go on insulin sooner?'"
Read more about Terry's Story >>
It's not just the insulin
Insulin can be a big help in keeping your blood sugar levels where you want them. But you still need to do your part with diet, physical activity, stress reduction, monitoring your blood glucose, and taking other medicines. Insulin is just part of your diabetes treatment plan. And there is no substitute for living a healthier life.
Important Safety Information for Insulin
Possible side effects may include blood sugar levels that are too low, injection
site reactions, and allergic reactions including itching and rash. Tell your doctor
about all other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change
the way insulin works. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.
The health information contained herein is provided for general education purposes
only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding
your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions
about your health or treatment.
