Go to the page content

Frequently asked questions about insulin therapy

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease1. As your disease progresses over time, your treatment might need to change too. Your healthcare professional may recommend adding insulin to your treatment plan to help.

We know it can be daunting – in fact, up to half of people with type 2 diabetes who need insulin therapy put off starting it for over two years2,3. This can be due to worries around potential lifestyle changes and starting injections, or concerns about what other people might think.

To help address these concerns, we’ve had a look at the most frequently asked questions around insulin therapy and have linked each one to an answer provided on Diabetes What’s Next. Find the answers to your questions on insulin therapy below!

Learn more about insulin in type 2 diabetes

Insulin explained

Insulin explained

Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose in the blood to enter cells. Learn about the function of insulin.

How does insulin work in type 2 diabetes?

So, you’re about to start insulin treatment? It’s completely normal to have a bunch of questions before you get started. You might be wondering, “How does insulin actually work?” or “What’s going on in my body?”. Just remember, your healthcare professional is your go-to source for any specific concerns about your personal insulin treatment plan.

Click on the question to be linked directly to where we’ve answered it on the website.

Lifestyle changes for type 2 diabetes

Starting Insulin treatment will bring some changes to your day-to-day life, but don’t worry – these changes don’t have to be negative! In fact, with a little practice and some new habits, you might find that your diabetes becomes more manageable.

Insulin treatment can take some getting used to, and it might seem tricky at first, but it’s all about finding what works best for you and your lifestyle. Remember, everyone’s journey is different and it’s okay if it takes you some time to adjust!

Click on the question to be linked directly to where we’ve answered it on the website.

Are you aware of cardiovascular risk?

People with type 2 diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to someone living without diabetes8-10.

Learn how you can reduce the risk.

Fear of injections

If you’re nervous about starting insulin treatment because you’re worried about the injections, you’re not alone! This is a really common concern, but it can be helpful to understand a little more about the injection process to help you feel prepared. Remember, if you’re still feeling worried, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation with a healthcare professional to find ways to feel more comfortable and confident as you start your treatment.

Click on the question to be linked directly to where we’ve answered it on the website.

Type 2 diabetes progression and social stigma

Some people find that as they start insulin treatment, they are worried about what other people might think. But remember, this is not your fault - type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. And your health comes first. Taking care of yourself is something to be proud of! If you feel like you need extra support, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare professional.

Click on the question to be linked directly to where we’ve answered it on the website.

Still have questions around starting insulin therapy for your type 2 diabetes? Read through our guide and take notes on questions you can ask your healthcare professional here.

Learn more about managing your diabetes

About diabetes

About diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a complex chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot make enough insulin. In contrast, type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that affects the body’s ability to convert glucose from food into energy. Read more about diabetes in general here. 

Living with diabetes

Living with diabetes

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming at first. We have gathered articles and tips to help you manage your type of diabetes – ranging from diet and exercise to tips and recipes.

Treatment of diabetes
1 min. read

Treatment of diabetes

People living with type 2 diabetes need treatment to keep their insulin and blood sugar levels under control. This can help prevent long-term complications. Read more about treating type 2 diabetes as well as managing it through lifestyle and diet here. 

HQ24DI00289

References
  1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas Report 10th Edition 2021. Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org/atlas/tenth-edition/ Last accessed: December 2024.
  2. Rubino A, McQuay LJ, Gough SC, et al. Delayed initiation of subcutaneous insulin therapy after failure of oral glucose-lowering agents in patients with Type 2 diabetes: a population-based analysis in the UK. Diabet Med. 2007;24:1412-1418.
  3. Hosomura N, Malmasi S, Timerman D, et al. Decline of insulin therapy and delays in insulin initiation in people with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Diabet Med. 2017;34:1599-1602.
  4. Peyrot M, Rubin RR, et al. Resistance to insulin therapy among patients and providers: results of the cross-national Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes, and Needs (DAWN) study. Diabetes Care. 2005;28:2673-9.
  5. Hauber AB, Johnson FR, et al. Risking health to avoid injections: preferences of Canadians with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2005;28:2243-5.