Insulin Is Not a Sign of Failure

Insulin is a hormone your body makes. A hormone is a messenger that carries instructions through your body. Beta cells make insulin. They sit in the pancreas, an organ in your belly.

Think of insulin as a key. It opens the doors of your cells. Then sugar from your blood can get in and give your cells energy. Everyone needs insulin, not only people with diabetes.

In type 1, the immune system attacks the beta cells. The immune system is your body's defense against germs.

The attack destroys the cells that make insulin. So the body makes little or no insulin.

People with type 1 need insulin from outside the body.

A close-up of the pancreas shows six round beta cells giving off small insulin dots. Immune cells move in between them and ring four of them, then those four are gone and little insulin is left. Last, an insulin pen gives insulin from outside the body.

In type 2, the beta cells often make less insulin over time. So your insulin needs can change.

Sometimes medicines by mouth no longer keep blood sugar in the range your doctor sets. Insulin may be added.

Needing insulin does not by itself mean diabetes is worse. Insulin is a treatment choice made with your doctor. It is not a sign of failure.

Key takeaways

• Insulin is a hormone that lets sugar into your cells.
• In type 1, the body needs insulin from outside.
• In type 2, insulin needs can change, and the decision is medical.

Try it

Write down one worry or belief you hold about insulin. Bring it to your next appointment and ask whether it is true.