Why I Will Refuse Insulin

At this point in time, I am not required to be on insulin. After a little research and lab work, I have decided that insulin is one medication that I do not need to take, even if my blood sugar and A1c says otherwise. This is something I will discuss with my healthcare provider when the time comes. I am not going to go rogue and expect the best. I encourage anyone who makes a decision to refuse medication to involve their doctor in the decision.

Medication and lifestyle changes

Shortly after diagnosis, I was put on standard medication for type 2 diabetes. I knew that my doctor would prescribe medication and work on lifestyle changes rather than forgo medication and see what I can do with lifestyle changes alone. This is standard practice as many people won’t or can’t make the proper changes. I am ok with this. My doctor and I discussed possible causes for my diabetes and decided on some further blood tests to see if we could find the root cause. This was my idea because I needed to know how I was going to fight this condition.

Looking beyond blood sugar and A1c numbers

I wanted to see what my insulin levels were. There is no way I could fight diabetes if I did not know all aspects of it. Yes, it is good to see blood sugar and A1c trends, but that is not enough. No one can properly combat disease without all possible information about it and what your body is doing. My insulin levels were on the higher end of normal, but still in the normal range.

My decision to say no to insulin

For me, this was good news. It means that my pancreas was producing enough insulin. Ultimately, this is what led to my decision to not use insulin if my doctor recommended it. My problem is not insulin. Many diabetics do not have an issue with insulin production, yet they are put on insulin. Of course, everyone is different, and the end result is to lower blood glucose levels and A1c to minimize the risk of diabetic complications.

Why I want to avoid insulin

Insulin is the main hormone in fat storage and antagonist to fat break down. If my blood glucose is high, and I introduce extra insulin into my body, it’s only natural to believe that I am increasing fat production. Yes, my blood glucose levels will probably drop, but I am potentially harming my body in another way. While my journey in a lifestyle change has just begun, it has been a good start. My blood sugar levels are beginning to lower, and I am seeing less spikes with diet and exercise. I know it will take time for my body to adapt and control my blood sugar, and I am ok with that.

The lesser of two evils

In my opinion, sometimes we have to pick the lesser of two evils. I believe that giving myself time and uncertain blood sugar levels until I can find a system that works for me, is worth the risk of gaining extra weight and possibly relying too much on insulin and losing motivation to do what I really need to do - which is improve my diet and increase exercise. I don’t want to become one of the people that rely on medication to make them better so they can continue an unhealthy lifestyle. This is my personal choice, and anyone that wishes to follow a similar path, please consult and involve your physician in your decision so you can create a plan of care that is best for your health.