‘Why is it that I need to take insulin if my blood sugar reading is 7.6 per cent? My doctor insists, and I don’t want to. Can I resist him?’

Insulin helps lower blood sugar levels when diet, exercise, or tablets are not enough. “It’s not a failure indicator, it’s a way of keeping your body safe and running more efficiently,” explained Dr Ghody.

Can I refuse or delay insulin if I do not feel any symptoms?

Most individuals can feel alright even with high blood sugar, but that doesn’t mean the body isn’t under stress, stressed Dr Ghody, adding that high sugar levels silently harm blood vessels and organs over time. “Postponing insulin makes it harder to manage blood sugar later on. Taking insulin as needed keeps complications at bay and energy levels even,” said Dr Ghody.

Will I need to take insulin for the rest of my life once I start taking it?

Not necessarily, affirmed Dr Ghody. “Sometimes insulin is supplemented for a limited period to bring blood sugar under control. With consistent efforts like eating well, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight, some people can eventually live without it. But it also has something to do with how a person responds to lifestyle changes and other medicines,” said Dr Ghody.

Here’s why you should pay heed (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Dr Aarti Ullal, physician and diabetologist, Gleneagles Hospital Parel shared: Ask your doctor why insulin now, what targets they’re using, whether a trial of other therapies or a lower insulin dose is possible, and request education on administration and side effects. “Get a second opinion if unsure. If you have high sugar with nausea, vomiting, or ketones, seek urgent care,” said Dr Ullal.

What lifestyle habits should I focus on when taking insulin?

Adopt a routine of balanced meals with reduced sugar and increased complex carbs, exercise, adequate rest, and stress management. Never miss meals after giving insulin because it causes hypoglycemia.

Are you taking insulin? (Photo: Quora)

What should I remember when using insulin every day?

Test your blood sugar level from time to time, take insulin as advised by your physician and store it properly. Carry a small amount of sugar, like glucose tablets or fruit juice, along with you in case of an unexpected fall in sugar, said Dr Ghody.

Insulin can be a simple but effective tool to help you get healthy and prevent future illness, said Dr Ghody.

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