Why are some patients of diabetes treated by giving injections of insulin?

Patients with diabetes may be treated with injections of insulin because their bodies either do not produce enough insulin or do not effectively use the insulin they produce. Insulin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. When the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly, it can lead to complications and symptoms associated with diabetes.

There are two main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes:

» Insulin Deficiency: In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes have little to no insulin production.
» Insulin Injections Necessary: Due to the lack of endogenous insulin, individuals with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Insulin injections are essential for survival in type 1 diabetes, as the body cannot function properly without insulin.

2. Type 2 Diabetes:

» Insulin Resistance or Insufficient Production: In type 2 diabetes, the body either becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or does not produce enough insulin to meet its needs. While some individuals with type 2 diabetes may manage their condition with oral medications, lifestyle changes, and other treatments, others may require insulin therapy as the disease progresses.

» Insulin Injections as a Treatment Option: In more advanced cases of type 2 diabetes, when other treatments are insufficient to control blood sugar levels, healthcare providers may prescribe insulin injections. This helps supplement the body’s insulin supply or overcome insulin resistance.
Insulin injections are administered subcutaneously, meaning the insulin is injected into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. The injection allows for a controlled and predictable absorption of insulin into the bloodstream.

The goals of insulin therapy in diabetes management include:

» Blood Sugar Control: Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy.
» Prevention of Complications: Properly managed blood sugar levels can help prevent or reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.
» Symptom Management: Insulin therapy helps alleviate symptoms of diabetes, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
It’s important to note that insulin therapy is just one aspect of diabetes management. Lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, are also critical components of diabetes care. The specific treatment plan varies from person to person and is determined by the type of diabetes, individual health needs, and other factors.