Seven myths about insulin that every patient should know

Diabetes is a condition in which the level of glucose in the blood is higher than normal. Insulin treatment is one of the most recommended, however, many patients do not agree to use it because of fear of its aftermath . Viviana Ulloa, endocrinologist and medical officer of Novo Nordisk, clarifies some common myths about insulin.

1. Insulin therapy can cause serious health problems. FALSE. Health complications are not caused by insulin, but by inadequate control of the disease. If the doctor considers that a diabetic person needs insulin, it is advisable to receive it quickly to reduce the risk of subsequent complications. In fact, adequate control of diabetes has been shown to help prevent problems such as cardiovascular events vision loss, nerve damage, among others.

2. Insulin causes blindness. FALSE . There is no scientific evidence to prove it. Conversely, if diabetes is not controlled in a timely manner and high blood sugar levels are maintained for a long time the small blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy) can be damaged. it would affect the vision and endanger the person's visual ability.

3. Once I start insulin treatment, I will use it all my life. FALSE . The duration of insulin treatment depends on many factors such as type of diabetes, weight and eating habits . Some people use insulin for a short time to treat hyperglycemia (abnormal increase in blood sugar). However, other people need it for the rest of their lives.

4. Insulin causes weight gain. FALSE. Insulin therapy and some of the oral treatments have similar effects on the weight of patients. It is advisable to consult the doctor or nutritionist, who will explain to you how to maintain your weight by diet and exercise.

5. The injections are painful. FALSE Insulin therapy is much less painful than other types of injections. Currently, there are pen-type devices that use very small and thin needles that decrease the sensation of pain . After a while, many people say that insulin therapy is manageable.

6. Insulin therapy is complicated and impractical. FALSE. Although the first insulins required several applications a day, before meals, there are currently options that allow greater flexibility during their employment.

7. If I use insulin, people will think that I am handicapped. FALSE On the contrary, when a person in need of insulin receives the treatment in an appropriate and timely manner, it prevents serious damage to his health such as blindness, amputation of Limb, kidney failure, etc. On the other hand, if diabetes is controlled, patients can have a quality of life and a life expectancy very similar to that of a person without this condition.