As time goes by, your body undergoes changes that can affect your diabetes management, even if you’ve been diligent in following your treatment plan. It’s common for your diabetes treatment needs to shift over time.
We spoke with Ann Brown, RN, CDE, a certified diabetes educator nurse at the Franciscan Healthy Living Center in Lafayette, Indiana, to understand the reasons behind these changes and how you can ensure that your blood sugar and insulin levels remain under control.
Some common reasons for changes in diabetes treatment include:
- Weight gain or loss
- Changes in physical activity levels
- Stress or illness
- Medication side effects
It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to monitor these changes and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. By staying proactive and informed, you can effectively manage your diabetes and maintain good overall health.
Why Treatment Needs Change
The effectiveness of diabetes medications doesn’t diminish with time. Instead, the changes occur in your body. Individuals with type 2 diabetes may experience a decrease of up to 50 percent in their beta cell function at the time of diagnosis. Beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin, which assists in transferring glucose from the blood into the body’s cells for energy.
As the remaining beta cells work harder to generate the required insulin, they may eventually cease functioning altogether. When this happens, adjustments may be needed in your medication, or you might require a different drug that addresses the issue in another way.
Another factor that can alter during the progression of the disease is insulin resistance, where cells become less responsive to insulin. Lifestyle modifications, such as increased physical activity, weight loss, and medications, can enhance cell sensitivity to insulin.
If your diabetes treatment plan no longer maintains your blood sugar within the desired range, it’s crucial to have your plan reassessed by your diabetes care team, which should involve your primary diabetes care provider, a diabetes educator, registered dietitian, and other professionals.
It’s important to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and communicate any changes or concerns with your healthcare team. They can help adjust your treatment plan to ensure you are managing your diabetes effectively and maintaining good overall health.
Monitoring and Adjusting
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their health. If you observe higher numbers, it’s essential to investigate the possible causes behind the increase.
Reflect on your treatment plan and consider whether you’ve been following it consistently. Evaluate factors like adherence to the meal plan, physical activity limitations due to recent surgery or illness, medication compliance, and the impact of other medications, like steroids, on blood sugar levels.
External stress, both physical and emotional, can elevate blood sugar levels as well. Factors such as infections, injuries, chronic pain, and increased stress levels can all affect diabetes management. Identifying these factors is crucial to addressing them effectively.
Managing Your Diabetes
Your diabetes management plan should be reviewed by your doctor regularly, typically every 3-4 months, to assess your progress and address any issues that may arise.
If daily monitoring reveals consistently high blood sugar levels, it’s advisable not to wait until the annual review to seek assistance. Reach out to your healthcare provider or diabetes care team member promptly.
In addition to regular check-ups with your doctor, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage your diabetes effectively. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly, taking medications as prescribed, and managing stress levels.
Educating yourself about diabetes and staying informed about new treatment options and technologies can also help you better manage your condition. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek support from healthcare professionals, diabetes educators, and support groups.
Remember, managing diabetes is a team effort, and with the right tools, resources, and support, you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life despite your diagnosis.
Take Control of Your Health
Maintaining blood sugar levels within the target range is essential for overall health. By controlling your blood sugar effectively, you can slow down or halt the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of complications.
Although monitoring blood sugar levels may not be enjoyable, it is a valuable tool for managing diabetes. Analyzing changes in levels can help you pinpoint potential triggers, allowing you to develop strategies to regulate your glucose effectively.
If you’re struggling to control your blood sugar levels, don’t be disheartened. Seek assistance from your diabetes care team to gain insights and support in managing the disease.
Partner in Diabetes Care
If you or a loved one needs help in managing diabetes, reach out to a diabetes educator or healthcare provider. They can collaborate with you to minimize the impact of diabetes on your health.
Some ways a diabetes educator can help include:
- Developing a personalized diabetes management plan
- Providing education on blood sugar monitoring and medication management
- Offering support and guidance for making healthy lifestyle choices
- Assisting with problem-solving and goal-setting related to diabetes management
Remember, you don’t have to navigate diabetes on your own. Seek support from healthcare professionals who are trained to help you effectively manage your condition and improve your overall well-being.
Your Diabetes Journey
Take charge of your diabetes management without delay, as your journey towards improved health begins now. By choosing Franciscan Health, you are committing to your health and well-being. Initiate the first step today and let us support you in your diabetes care.
Following the initial diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, you may find it challenging to achieve your treatment goals, even if your medication, exercise regimen, diet, or other management strategies have remained constant. It’s normal for your diabetes management routine to require adjustments periodically.
Progressing from managing diabetes with diet and exercise alone to needing medications, and possibly insulin, in the long run is not a sign of failure in managing your condition. Diabetes is a progressive disease, and as your body evolves, your treatment requirements will also change.
Adapting your treatment plan and medications as your diabetes progresses is essential for preventing complications and maintaining optimal health.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition, where initial management approaches may lose effectiveness over time. Understanding the timeline of type 2 diabetes complications can prepare you for modifications in your treatment plan.
Scientists are familiar with the fundamentals of type 2 diabetes, including insulin production and utilization. When beta cells fail to produce sufficient insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, diabetes ensues.
Initially, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it effectively, leading to insulin resistance. Beta cells compensate by increasing insulin production, but eventually, they struggle to meet the demand, causing blood sugar levels to rise and diabetes to be diagnosed.
Unlike individuals with type 1 diabetes, those with type 2 still have functioning beta cells, often unaware of any issues until a blood sugar test reveals abnormalities. Due to subtle symptoms, type 2 diabetes can remain undiagnosed for an extended period.
While lifestyle changes and medications, like metformin, may suffice initially, the need for additional medications to manage blood sugar levels may arise with disease progression.
The gradual advancement of type 2 diabetes can feel like an endless battle.
Research and Progression
The reasons behind differing diabetes management requirements among individuals remain unclear, despite extensive research.
Genetics play a role, with over 70 genes linked to type 2 diabetes, but understanding their interactions remains challenging.
The progression of type 2 diabetes varies individually.
Slowing Type 2 Diabetes Progression
Ongoing research aims to slow or halt the progression of type 2 diabetes, with some evidence suggesting it may be reversible. However, sustained management without lifestyle adjustments or medications often results in recurring blood sugar spikes.
Until the mysteries of diabetes progression are unraveled, the tried-and-tested approach of exercise, dietary modifications, and weight loss where necessary is recommended to manage blood sugar levels and delay the advancement of type 2 diabetes.
Long-acting insulin formulations have varying concentrations, with some brands offering higher unit concentrations for improved efficacy.
Usually, long-acting insulin is taken once or twice daily, with doses spaced 12 hours apart if taken twice daily.
Your insulin units required will be determined by your healthcare provider, considering factors like weight, type of diabetes, activity level, and other medications.
Changes to your dose
Adjustments to your insulin dosage may be necessary during periods of illness, stress, extreme weather, physical activity, medication changes, menopause, pregnancy, growth phases, fasting, or lifestyle adjustments like shift work.
Keeping a record of your insulin units is advisable whenever possible.
Testing your blood glucose
Regular monitoring of your blood glucose levels ensures that you are on the correct insulin dose. Seek guidance from your healthcare provider.
Additional Tips for Using an Insulin Pen
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when using an insulin pen:
- Make sure to store your insulin pen properly to maintain its effectiveness. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage.
- Check the expiration date on the insulin pen before each use. Do not use expired insulin.
- Keep track of your insulin dosage and injection times to maintain consistency in your treatment plan.
- If you experience any problems with your insulin pen, such as clogging or leaking, contact your healthcare provider for assistance.
- Always carry a backup insulin pen with you in case of emergencies or if your primary pen malfunctions.
By following these tips and the proper instructions provided by your healthcare provider, you can effectively manage your insulin therapy with an insulin pen.
Taking insulin safely
Ensure precise insulin dosing by understanding your insulin type, adjustments in dosage, correct technique, and informing healthcare providers while in the hospital.
It is important to always carry a form of identification stating that you have diabetes and require insulin. This can be helpful in case of emergencies where you are unable to communicate.
Store your insulin properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Insulin that has been exposed to extreme temperatures may not work as effectively.
Be aware of the signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and know how to treat them accordingly. It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to ensure they are within a safe range.
If you have a problem with your insulin pen
Although reliable, insulin pens can sometimes malfunction, affecting blood glucose levels. Contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns. It’s important to regularly check your insulin pen for proper functioning and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and maintenance. Remember to always have a back-up plan in case of pen failure, such as carrying spare insulin and needles with you. Your healthcare provider can help troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing with your insulin pen.
How long to take it for
Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy, while type 2 diabetes may involve insulin if other treatments are ineffective. For gestational diabetes, insulin use may cease after childbirth.
Adhering to insulin therapy recommendations is crucial for optimal blood glucose management and preventing diabetes-related complications.
Consult healthcare providers for any concerns regarding insulin treatment.
If you forget to take it
Inadequate insulin intake increases the risk of hyperglycemia. If a dose is missed within 2 hours, take it as soon as remembered to avoid potential issues.
Seek advice from healthcare providers for prolonged missed doses and closely monitor blood glucose levels.
Setting reminders and consulting a pharmacist can aid in managing insulin dosages.
If you take too much
Excessive use of long-acting insulin may lead to hypoglycemia. Symptoms include sweating, trembling, confusion, and more.
Symptoms of a hypo
If experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, follow the provided treatment instructions:
- Consume a sugary drink or snack.
- Check blood glucose after 10-15 minutes and repeat if necessary.
- Eat longer-lasting carbohydrates once blood glucose improves.
- Resume insulin intake once stable.
Carry high-sugar snacks for emergencies related to hypoglycemia.
Avoid driving or operating machinery after taking excessive insulin.
Ensure someone is present if experiencing issues related to insulin.
Treating a hypo
If experiencing severe symptoms of hypoglycemia, inform family, friends, and know when to seek emergency assistance.
Learn more about the side effects of long-acting insulin, including severe hypoglycemia.
Virta member Vickie initially used oral diabetes medication for almost seven years, but it eventually became ineffective in managing her glucose levels. After trying various injectable medications, she was prescribed insulin injections to control her diabetes. Despite her efforts, Vickie’s A1c and weight continued to rise, leading to inflammation and fatigue. Seeking a solution, Vickie joined Virta. Following the treatment plan, her A1c decreased, she lost 45 pounds, and now has more energy to spend time with her grandchildren.
If you’re wondering whether insulin injections can stop working for type 2 diabetes, it is possible for diabetes medications, including insulin, to lose effectiveness over time. In such cases, consult your healthcare provider promptly to avoid complications. It’s also a good opportunity to explore alternative treatments, such as reversing diabetes with Virta. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Is My Insulin Injection Not Working?
Several factors can cause your insulin injections to lose effectiveness, such as:
Lipohypertrophy: Injecting insulin repeatedly in the same area can create fatty lumps on the skin’s surface, known as lipohypertrophy. This can interfere with insulin absorption, leading to high blood sugar levels despite insulin intake.
Incorrect injection technique: Needle removal speed, needle reuse, or insulin mixing errors can impact insulin absorption and blood sugar levels.
Interactions with other medications: Certain medications, including steroids, cholesterol-lowering drugs, birth control pills, and others, can affect glucose control.
Using expired insulin: Expired insulin may be less effective, contributing to higher blood sugar levels.
Why is My Blood Sugar Still High After Taking Insulin?
Lifestyle factors can also affect insulin effectiveness, such as:
Inaccurate insulin dosing: Inappropriate matching of insulin to carbohydrate intake can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Long-standing diabetes: Prolonged diabetes duration may slow down pancreas insulin production, requiring higher doses over time.
Lifestyle choices: Increased carbohydrate intake, sedentary behavior, and high stress levels can raise blood sugar levels despite insulin use.
If your blood sugar remains elevated despite taking insulin, adjustments like increasing dosage, using an insulin pump, or taking fast-acting insulin before meals may be recommended.
The Takeaway
Managing diabetes with insulin can be complex, but successfully reversing type 2 diabetes may reduce or eliminate the need for insulin and other medications. If you have type 2 diabetes and aspire to lead a healthier life, Virta Health offers support and resources to help you achieve that goal.
This blog offers informational content and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical inquiries or guidance on health matters.