Leel Sridhar

Last Name:

Neti

Your Email:

netils_1974@yahoo.com [1]

Question:

Hi, My mother-in-law is dependent on insulin. She lives in india she has following conditions. Overweight, Insuling (3 times a day) Will it be possible to bring her back to non-insulin level, will it be possible to set a pattern for eating, exercise and reduce her weight and reduce sugar levels.

Answer:

It depends. If she has been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, then she is more likely to get off insulin through proper nutrition, exercise and weight loss. Over the natural history of diabetes, the ability of the pancreas to make insulin decreases. There comes a point where the pancreas simply isn't making enough insulin to meet the demands of the body. When this stage is reached, insulin therapy is necessary.

However, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in exercise appropriate for the person and eating healthfully is always the foundation for diabetes treatment necessary for every stage of the disease. On the other hand, insulin therapy can be very helpful in controlling blood glucose in addition to lifestyle modification. Therefore, have a good discussion with the health care provider about what options of treatment is right.

Answered by: William Hsu, M.D.