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Type 2 Diabetes - Why Would You Need to Start Taking Insulin?

Type 2 diabetes springs from defects in the mechanisms of secretion and the utilization of insulin, the hormone that facilitates the transfer of energy-providing glucose, a type of sugar, across cell membranes. With decreased energy utilization, the cells demand more glucose supply. To try to meet glucose needs, the pancreas works double time to produce more insulin. In time, the over-worked pancreas becomes "burned-out" resulting in decreased insulin-production.




According to the Royal College of Nursing Guidance for Nurses, more than ninety percent of people with diabetes have Type 2. Diabetics have a two to four times higher chance of developing cardiovascular complications such as heart disease compared to the general population.



Other complications include:





blindness

end stage renal disease and

lower extremity infection and amputation



The only way to prevent the development of these problems is through rigid blood sugar control.



Starting insulin therapy can often times be challenging, not only to the user but also to the health care provider. Insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes poses a greater problem in dose adjustment compared to those with Type 1 diabetes. To start with, Type 2 diabetics need a higher insulin dosage compared to their Type 1 counterparts.



If you are a Type 2 diabetic patient with poorly controlled blood sugar, your doctor may decide to start insulin injections to enable better sugar control.



So, what are the indications for starting insulin injection therapy?



1. Acute illness or surgery: Illness and surgery are two stressful events for the body. The usual body response to stress is to increase blood sugar levels. If you happen to have an ongoing infection in the face of uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes, your doctor may decide you need to take insulin injections to control your blood sugar. In fact, this decision may be a life-saving step to prevent further complications associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels.



2. Glucose toxicity: Glucose toxicity or very high blood glucose levels can predispose you to the development of hyperosmolar hyperglycemia, a life-threatening condition that can result in coma and sometimes even death. Insulin injections are the most needed medical intervention to prevent hyperosmolar hyperglycemia.



3. Failure to achieve goals with oral anti-diabetic agents: If your body fails to give a positive response to oral anti-diabetic medications, your doctor may decide taking insulin to control your spiking blood sugar. Remember, better control of your blood sugar is necessary to prevent both acute and chronic complications of Type 2 diabetes.



4. Pregnancy: In reproductive-age females, the usual indication for the use of insulin injections is pregnancy. Most oral anti-diabetic medications can never be used in pregnancy, thus, insulin is the number one choice at this time.



Having better control of your blood sugar levels is the ultimate goal needed for the prevention of possible acute and chronic complications of Type 2 diabetes.



To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Answers to Your Questions



Clicking on this link will help you to see how to Beat The Belly Fat Blues Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.



Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide



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