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I do not want to start insulin. My friend who started insulin now has to stay on it forever.
This is true to all patients with type 1 diabetes and partially true to certain people with type 2 diabetes. For patients with type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin and so will need     more
Question Posted:
2012-02-15 04:31
Question: 
I have had diabetes for four years, I do not know what kind of medications there are to treat it, my mother and my aunt also have it, after my aunt lost her eyesight, she passed away last year, I have not had treatment these four years, last year after a bout of illness I have been unable to walk, I have been bedridden for over three months, and essentially have not eaten, not drank, nor have any sort of treatment, I am 49 years old this year, I think diabetes is not that frightening, but I always feel like I have no energy, and last year’s illness has left me feeling a bit scared. I do not know what to do, domestic experts frighten people with medications that are ineffective, I would like to know how diabetes is dealt with abroad, please help, thank you.
Answer: 
From the description you provided, your condition is quite severe. It is possible that uncontrolled diabetes can drain your energy, but to a point where you cannot eat or drink for three months and have become bedridden is very concerning. Diabetes most often causes thirst, hunger and excessive urination. Therefore, your symptoms are not consistent with uncontrolled diabetes. I suggest that you seek additional medical attention to determine the underlying causes of your symptoms. In regards to treatment for diabetes, there have been many important advances. However, when diabetes is uncontrolled for a long period of time, starting on insulin therapy is often needed to bring down the blood glucose level. It is possible, if you have type 2 diabetes to switch from insulin to oral pills after a few weeks to few months of good glucose control. But you will need to discuss this with your doctor. Most importantly, staying physically active, eating right and maintaining a healthy weight will always be important and are the treatments that only you can provide for yourself. When these lifestyle changes are not enough, please do not be afraid to take medicine or insulin to help you improve your glucose levels.
 
Answered by: William Hsu, M.D.