What should you know about insulin dependent type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can change over time, and the pancreas may not make enough insulin or the body may not respond to it effectively. Needing insulin does not mean someone has type 1 diabetes, nor does it mean they have failed. The dose and schedule are individual and may change with meals, activity, illness, kidney function and other medicines.

Insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. It may be used with other diabetes medicines, and a clinician may adjust treatment when readings remain above the agreed target or during illness. Monitoring helps identify patterns rather than judging a single reading.

Low blood glucose, called Hypoglycaemia, can cause shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness, irritability or confusion. Repeated high glucose can affect blood vessels, nerves and organs over time, including the kidneys and feet.

Learn the injection technique, storage instructions, injection sites and the action plan for missed doses from your diabetes team. Check glucose as advised, record unusual readings and keep a fast-acting source of sugar available if your clinician recommends it.

Never share pens or needles, and place used needles in an approved sharps container. During illness, ask in advance how often to check glucose and whether insulin should continue. Look after your feet, attend monitoring appointments and discuss weight, blood pressure and cholesterol care.

Get urgent help for severe confusion, a seizure, collapse, inability to swallow, repeated low readings, or high glucose with vomiting, deep or rapid breathing, severe dehydration or marked drowsiness. A new foot wound with spreading redness, swelling, warmth or fever also needs prompt assessment because Cellulitis can progress.

What are my glucose targets and when should I check? How should I adjust insulin when I am unwell or miss a meal? How do I treat a low reading? Which injection sites and storage method are right for my insulin?