Misconceptions about insulin

Insulin is a life-saving drug for the diabetic patients. There is still no alternative to treat the diabetes at various stages though different types of medicines have been invented. But many people have fear and misconceptions about this essential drug.

The ultimate medicine?

Many people think that insulin is the ultimate medicine to treat diabetes but that is not true. A physician can prescribe insulin for various reasons. For example – use of insulin is safe and reliable for preventing infectious diseases as well as before and after surgery. This does not mean the disease is at its tertiary stage.

Another misconception is that once a person begins taking insulin, he/she must continue it until death. As a physician prescribes insulin during a critical condition, he/she may prescribe other medicines once the patient’s condition is stable. Use of insulin once does not mean that it will be continued forever. Maybe that is the best option the physician has got at that moment.

Is stopping insulin during sickness better?

Many people stop using insulin when they suffer from fever, diarrhoea or vomiting. Lack of proper eating in these times can lead to fall of sugar level. Sudden rise of sugar level due to halting insulin can also increase complexities. This is why it is better to fix the dose of insulin after measuring glucose at home or consulting a physician.

One must lead a disciplined life including regular eating habits as the improper use of insulin may lead to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). A diabetes patient must lead a disciplined life whether using insulin or not. However, minor irregularities in the use modern insulin is not that harmful.

Many insulin users overeat in fear or hypoglycaemia. This is also not right.

*The piece, published in the print edition of Prothom Alo, has been rewritten in English by Shameem Reza