Ever forget to take your insulin? You're not the only one. According to a recent survey, about one-third of diabetes patients who use insulin either intentionally skip or forget to take their insulin about three times every month!

 

Insulin is a life-saving drug for people with diabetes that helps process glucose (sugar) into energy-providing nutrients. If you take insulin, it's essential to stay on schedule. Not taking insulin as prescribed can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), diabetic ketoacidosis (a rise of toxic ketones), nerve damage and more.

 

So, what stops people from taking insulin as they should? Many say it's their busy lifestyle, changes in routine and fear of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar that may result from taking too much insulin).

 

If you have trouble sticking with your insulin regimen, talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner, diabetes educator and other professionals about ways to stay on schedule.

 

Article by Marc Lichter of HeartCare Winter 2011

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