Attention: Insulin is good! Without insulin you die. However, as in most of life, "everything in moderation." You want to have insulin, and you want your insulin to work effectively. Not enough insulin, you die a horrific death with diabetic ketoacidosis. Body not responding effectively to insulin? Be prepared for the other consequences of type 2 diabetes (obesity, heart disease, etc.) Too much insulin and body responds appropriately? Very dangerous low glucose which can lead to seizures and brain damage.

Your mother could not be more wrong with her conclusions. Insulin does not cause weight loss.

ids     

Insulin is not a poison! The insulin you are taking is to replace the insulin your body makes on its own because there is not enough available. You either are not making enough or it isn't working properly, and the oral medications you're taking are not effective at this point.

Weight loss can happen when your body isn't utilizing food properly causing blood sugar to rise, and your body then begins to burn the fat for energy. When the blood sugars are elevated for a long period of time, you can then develop the life-threatening condition Dr. Schwartz spoke of. Exercise will also usually promote weight loss.

However, I am confused. You say you have gained weight, and your mother talks of weight loss. It does not really matter because in either case, if your physician prescribed insulin and is weaning it as your blood glucose control improves, he/she is treating you appropriately. You need to keep to keep in mind though that all people with type 2 diabetes will need insulin at some point.

ss     

Return to DQ&A main page