when to take insulin for type 2 diabetes
Shifting from Insulin Dependency to Carb Control
When to take insulin for type 2 diabetes? If you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor has told you to take insulin, this article is for you. It is based on reliable research and will explain why, as a type 2 diabetic, you don’t need insulin and how taking it can actually harm you. This article is for type 2 diabetics currently using insulin.
Pharmaceutical companies profit from selling insulin, which should be cheap or free. They keep changing their formula or delivery method to get new patents and charge high prices. But as a type 2 diabetic, you don’t need this insulin.
Important to confirm
First, it’s important to confirm that you are truly a type 2 diabetic. Make sure you’ve had a C-peptide test done, which your doctor should have in your medical records. This test confirms whether you’re a type 2 diabetic. Without it, your diagnosis might just be an assumption.
There are many types of insulin for type 2 diabetics, like Humalog, Novolog, Apidra, and Afrezza, among others. Even though some, like Afrezza, are inhaled instead of injected, they are still insulin and can increase your risk of chronic diseases and inflammation.
Type 2 diabetes is better described as “carbohydrate toxicity syndrome.” It means you’re eating too many carbs for your body to handle. Most type 2 diabetics can improve their condition by lowering their carb intake. If you reduce your daily carbs, you can often stop using insulin altogether.
Stop processing sugars and fruit juices
Start by cutting out processed sugars and fruit juices, as they spike your blood sugar. Then eliminate grains like rice, oats, wheat, and corn, which also turn into sugar in your body. This can help reduce your need for insulin.
Lower your carb intake to less than 100 grams per day, and many type 2 diabetics can stop using short-acting insulin. Some might need to go down to 50 grams or even 20 grams per day to stop insulin entirely.
Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can help you see how foods affect your blood sugar in real-time. Make sure you have a C-peptide test to confirm your type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Type 2 diabetics still produce insulin but often eat more carbs than their body can manage, leading to the need for extra insulin. Reducing carbohydrate intake can help you manage your diabetes without insulin.
Conclusion
If you have type 2 diabetes and are currently using insulin, it’s crucial to reassess your treatment approach. Confirm your diagnosis with a C-peptide test and use a continuous glucose monitor to gain insights into how different foods affect your blood sugar levels.
By significantly reducing your carbohydrate intake and eliminating processed sugars, fruit juices, and grains from your diet, you can often manage your blood sugar levels naturally. This approach can help you reduce or even eliminate your need for insulin, improve your health, and reduce your reliance on expensive medications.
Taking control of your diet and understanding your body’s response to food are key steps toward better managing your type 2 diabetes.
FAQs
1. Why do I need a C-peptide test? A C-peptide test helps confirm if you truly have type 2 diabetes. It measures the amount of insulin your body is producing. Without this test, your diagnosis might just be an assumption.
2. What is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and why should I use it? A CGM is a device that tracks your blood sugar levels throughout the day. It helps you see how different foods affect your blood sugar in real-time, which can guide you in making better dietary choices.
3. Why is reducing carbohydrate intake important for type 2 diabetics? Type 2 diabetes is often caused by eating too many carbohydrates. Reducing your carb intake helps lower your blood sugar levels naturally, reducing the need for insulin injections.
4. What foods should I avoid? Avoid processed sugars, fruit juices, and grains like rice, oats, wheat, and corn. Blood sugar levels may rise as a result of certain meals.
5. How many carbohydrates should I consume daily? Aim for less than 100 grams of carbohydrates per day. Some people might need to reduce their intake to 50 grams or even 20 grams per day to manage their blood sugar effectively.
6. Can I stop using insulin if I change my diet? Many type 2 diabetics can reduce or even eliminate their need for insulin by significantly lowering their carbohydrate intake. But before altering any medicine, make sure to speak with your physician.
7. What are the risks of continuing to use insulin as a type 2 diabetic? Using insulin when you don’t need it can increase your risk of chronic medical conditions and inflammation. It’s better to manage your blood sugar through diet and lifestyle changes.
8. What are some examples of high-carb foods to avoid? Avoid foods like bread, pasta, rice, sugary snacks, fruit juices, and soft drinks. These are high in carbohydrates and can spike your blood sugar levels.
9. How can a CGM help me make better food choices? A CGM provides real-time feedback on how different foods affect your blood sugar. This helps you learn which foods to avoid and how to better manage your diet.
10. Is it expensive to switch to a low-carb diet? Switching to a low-carb diet doesn’t have to be expensive. Focus on whole foods like vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. These can be more affordable and beneficial for managing your blood sugar levels.