Common perceptions and discussion points in Diabetes

Common perceptions and discussion points

Perception 1

Diabetes has become worse, or is a more serious disease if you are
started on insulin

Perception 2

Insulin treatment is a sign of personal failure to manage the condition

Discussion points:

• Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and over time the body produces less insulin.
As less insulin is produced by the body, more medication and lifestyle changes will need to
be made to control HbA1c levels.
• There are many effective therapies for the management of Type 2 diabetes, including insulin.
• Insulin treatment is the next logical step in treatment when other diabetes therapies are not
controlling glucose levels or where we think insulin would be the best option for the patient.
Therefore the right time for insulin will differ in each individual.
• Insulin should not be seen as the last resort in optimising glycaemic control or as failure by
the patient to control their diabetes. Insulin should be seen as an option in care to optimise
glycaemic control to prevent longer term complications.

Perception 3

Insulin treatment will adversely impact on their lifestyle and will be
inconvenient
Discussion points:
• There are lots of different insulin preparations and regimens available.
• The healthcare professional starting insulin will look at appropriate insulin regimens for the
individual, taking into account their lifestyle, driving requirements and occupation.
• It is possible that insulin will be started as a once-daily insulin at night time with minimal
need for blood glucose testing.

Perception 4

Insulin treatment leads to complications such as leg amputations and
blindness. When my “Dad started insulin, he then went to hospital and
lost his foot”
Discussion points:
• Complications are caused by high blood glucose levels over a long period of time.
• Insulin, along with other medications used to reduce HbA1c levels help to reduce the
complications by controlling blood glucose levels.
• If we can control blood glucose levels effectively over time, we can reduce complications.

Perception 5

Family and friends treat you differently if you are on insulin
Discussion points:
With consent from the person with Type 2 diabetes, carers and family members would be
welcome to attend appointments and education sessions to learn more about Type 2 diabetes
and how to support family members/people they care for.