Insulin is an important hormone that plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels. However, for some people with diabetes, insulin injections become a life-sustaining necessity. Long-term insulin injections are very effective in controlling blood sugar levels, but there are some potential harms. In this article, we will ** two main harms that long-term insulin injections can bring to the body.
First, long-term insulin injections may cause hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar levels are too low, usually below the normal range. This is because the injection of insulin causes the cells to take up more glucose, which lowers blood sugar levels. However, if the insulin dose is too high or if there is no proper dietary control, it can lead to low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia may cause symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, sweating, trembling, and in severe cases, coma and death. Therefore, patients who have been taking insulin for a long time need to monitor their blood glucose levels closely and adjust their insulin dose as needed to avoid hypoglycemia.
Second, long-term insulin injections may lead to weight gain. One of the effects of insulin is to promote the synthesis of fats and proteins, which leads to weight gain. In addition, insulin also inhibits the breakdown of fat, making it easier for fat to accumulate in the body. As a result, patients who have been taking insulin for a long time are often prone to weight gain. This can be an additional burden for people with diabetes, who are often already at risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. Therefore, patients who inject insulin for a long time need to pay attention to diet control and moderate exercise to control their weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to the two main harms mentioned above, long-term insulin injections may trigger some other local reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, and itching at the site of insulin injection. In addition, long-term use of insulin may increase the risk of cardiovascular, kidney, and eye diseases. Although these *** do not appear in every patient, they still need to be paid enough attention.
In order to reduce the possible harm of long-term insulin injections, people with diabetes should actively take some measures. First, they should check their blood sugar levels regularly and adjust their insulin dose as recommended by their doctor. Second, they should follow a sensible diet plan and control the amount of carbohydrates and fats they consume. In addition, moderate exercise is also very important to help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin use. Finally, regular check-ups and communication with doctors are also essential in order to detect and deal with any potential *** or complications in a timely manner.
In conclusion, long-term insulin injections are essential for diabetics to effectively control blood sugar levels. However, we also can't ignore the potential harm it can bring. Hypoglycemia and weight gain are the most common long-term insulin injections***, but there are others*** that also need attention. Therefore, diabetics need to work closely with their doctors to take appropriate measures to reduce these harms and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Only then can they better manage their diabetes and improve their quality of life.