By Chris Muggeo, RN, CDE
The Bad News-Your doctor tells you that you can no longer make tears and without them, you will go blind.
The Good News-Someone “invented” Artificial Tears that will do the job your body can no longer do. Good chance you will put these drops in your eyes to maintain your vision.
The Bad News– Your doctor tells you that you can no longer produce sufficient amounts of insulin to meet your body’s needs, and without this important hormone, you are at risk for significant medical problems.
The Good News– Someone “invented” a replacement therapy that will do “from the outside” what your body can no longer do “from the inside”. Good chance you will take those injections to maintain your health…
Not So Fast…
Historically, both providers and patients are reluctant to start insulin for many reasons. Fear of painful injections, risk of weight gain, low blood sugar or feelings of failure all contribute to delay or avoidance of starting this important replacement therapy. Luckily, there is an array of different insulins as well as different delivery systems to meet each patients lifestyle and financial concerns. With sufficient education and dedication, you can help promote the management of your Diabetes by incorporating this therapy into your regimen of heart healthy meal planning and dedicated physical activity. Don’t rule this medicine out as part of your treatment if your provider recommends Insulin. It is just one more tool to help you live a long, productive life with this chronic, yet manageable, disease.
Chris Muggeo is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at cm339@cornell.edu