Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas and which activates the removal of glucose from the blood by liver, muscle and fat tissue. People with type 2 diabetes do not respond efficiently to insulin, which can result in increased blood glucose levels. Although type 2 diabetes can be treated with insulin injections, this method of treatment can be avoided with the right diet and other treatment approaches.
Insulin and Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin can be used by people who have poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. In general, patients who take insulin for type 2 diabetes only need one injection per day, the American Diabetes Association explains. Insulin can be given along with other medications for diabetes, and if the resistance to insulin progresses, patients may need to receive more insulin shots each day to compensate.
Why Insulin is Used
Insulin is usually prescribed for patients for are unable to adequately control their insulin using medications and diet. Sometimes it is needed by patients who have health problems, such as kidney or liver disease, which remove the option of using medications. Other times, insulin is needed if blood glucose levels continue to rise even with the regular use of glucose-lowering drugs.
Effects of Diet on Diabetes
Diet can affect blood glucose levels in two ways. The foods that patients eat directly affect blood glucose levels, so patients who eat a diet that does not have too much fat or carbohydrates in it can help keep blood glucose levels lower. In addition, losing excess weight can help the body respond better to insulin, which can keep blood glucose levels lower, the Federal Citizen Information Center notes.
Diet Plans
A healthy diet can help people keep their blood glucose levels better under control. Since insulin is usually only prescribed if the patients diabetes is poorly controlled, many people with type 2 diabetes can keep themselves from needing insulin with the right diet. Replacing sugars and simple carbohydrates with whole grains, fiber-rich foods, and fruits and vegetables can help to keep blood glucose levels low, the Mayo Clinic reports. Patients should also avoid saturated and trans fats, as they can increase the risk of heart disease.
Limitations
Although diet is an important part of treating type 2 diabetes, dietary changes alone should not be used to treat type 2 diabetes. Many oral medications can increase the body's natural production of insulin and make the body more responsive to insulin, which can be used to keep blood glucose levels low. Physical exercise is also critical for keeping blood glucose levels under control. Only if patients are able to keep their blood glucose levels in an acceptable range using a combination of diet, exercise and oral medications, can insulin use be avoided.
