Insulin Is Not a Failure

Diabetes can change as the years go by. The body may make less insulin, or use it less well.

A medicine that worked well before may not work as well later. Your care plan can change too, like clothes you outgrow. Many people go through this.

Needing insulin does not mean you did something wrong. It says nothing bad about how hard you have tried.

Usually the body has changed over the years in how it makes or uses insulin.

Insulin is a tool. It helps bring blood sugar closer to the target your doctor sets for you.

Some people use insulin only for a while. Illness or a hospital stay can call for it. So can steroid treatment. Pregnancy with gestational diabetes (diabetes that starts during pregnancy) can too.

Others need insulin for longer. Your doctor looks at your test results, your health and your daily life. You help make that choice.

Key takeaways

• Diabetes plans can change as the body changes over time.
• Needing insulin usually comes from those changes, not from something you did wrong.
• Insulin can be a short-term or long-term step, decided with your doctor.

Try it

Today, jot down one question for your doctor about how long insulin might be needed for you.