how serious is an insulin shot for a diabetic?
By irajohann
@irajohann (95)
Philippines
November 2, 2007 11:00pm CST
My mom started her insulin shots yesterday and the way she explained it, she said that its a lifetime treatment since the medicine that she has been taking since 2004 doesn't do her good anymore. Her doctor has advised her to cut her carb intake. I live far from her and due to some responsibilities at home, I can't be with her. I just feel helpless. Is there someone who can explain this to me further?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@Icedragon2 (4)
• United States
3 Nov 07
yes once you start insulin then you take it forever, I was on other forms-- pills and lots of them the dr changed me to insulin and to me it is a much better alternative once you get used to the idea
Lin
1 person likes this
@irajohann (95)
• Philippines
4 Nov 07
Her doctor told her that the medicine that she was taking has not helped her lower her blood sugar level so her doctor decided to change it to insulin injections. I think she's taking insulin 25 in the morning and insulin 15 in the evening. I just don't know much about this illness because my mom's condition was so sudden. I thought she was still at a pre-diabetes stage.
@cristlegirl (817)
• United States
3 Nov 07
She could come off of it if she can keep her sugar under control. I started on 2 types of insulin and I went down to one 3 months later, Theres a good chance that within a year or 2 I can be taken off what I'm on now. but I have to lose weight and keep my sugar under control.
She may need it for the rest of her life though, it really depends on what her body is doing, it's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. My advice is be as supportive over the phone as you can. Call every once in a while to make sure she's okay.
@irajohann (95)
• Philippines
4 Nov 07
Does insulin have the same effects on people, regardless of age? My mom's in her 60's and according to her, she feels well if it wasn't for the numbness on her left foot. Her doctor told her that her blood sugar is quite high and she insisted that they conduct tests to check my mom's other organs just to make sure that they are functioning normally. She also mentioned to her that her insulin treatment is lifetime. Should I ask my mom to go to another doctor for a second opinion?
1 person likes this
@cristlegirl (817)
• United States
4 Nov 07
I think it is harder the older you get to control your blood sugar, I'm only 24 so I still have a good chance of coming off of it at least for a while.
If she wants a second opinion then you should get one, but insulin does work very well in controlling blood sugar. If hers a very high then it would be better for her to be on the insulin because high blood sugars are hard on all of your organs. I almost had kidney failer when I was diagnosed, my blood sugar was 1600. I was in the hospital for a week.
