What percentage of T2s eventually become insulin dependant?

[70sFan77]

I was reading different sources, some say 3 out of 10 T2s require insulin, but I read here that most will require insulin at some point. Anyone know a reliable source?

[plattb1]

The American Academy of Family Physicians says that "...Twenty-seven percent of persons with type 2 diabetes use insulin therapy ..."

Insulin Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: Rescue, Augmentation, and Replacement of Beta-Cell Function - August 1, 2004 - American Family Physician (http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040801/489.html)

[foxl]

The American Academy of Family Physicians says that "...Twenty-seven percent of persons with type 2 diabetes use insulin therapy ..."

Insulin Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: Rescue, Augmentation, and Replacement of Beta-Cell Function - August 1, 2004 - American Family Physician (http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040801/489.html)

(And how many more might benefit from it?)

[plattb1]

See, I think that's the direction treatment should be going ... surely it's more natural ... therefore, less stressful to the body ... than the oral medications.

[Tribbles]

(And how many more might benefit from it?)

Indeed! The US has one of the worst rates for insulin uptake in the world. I will have to try and find that paper but India and the US were the two countries where the medical community were the most reluctant to prescribe insulin. In fairness the US was also the country where patients were the most reluctant to use insulin.

[NewdestinyX]

See, I think that's the direction treatment should be going ... surely it's more natural ... therefore, less stressful to the body ... than the oral medications.
I completely agree with you, Barrie. The results are impressive so far for me and it's a 'zero pain' experience for me when I inject once a day. Every person from my Mom's generation, upon hearing that I take some insulin, says "Well you know - once on the needle always on the needle". So there's some pretty entrenched stereotypes and beliefs out there that aren't based on the newer science. I know I'm saving beta cells.

But I don't want to sound elitist either. Those here who super lo carb without any insulin product I think are also doing their pancreata a huge favor and saving beta mass. It's all about requiring 'less' of the Pancreas. I'm learning there may be different ways to accomplish that. I know for myself even on my lowest carb days prior to Lantus my numbers weren't dropping far enough. Now things are way better on the Lantus.

[yannah]

Insulin, like everything else has a few possible drawbacks.

I do not think with good control its your destination.

however if that is what works for you at any stage of diabetes then do it.

big deal, needles. if it works, it works. this is not something I worry about.

[imac]

It is a hard question to answer, a friend and myself were diagnosed at almost the same time. I progressed through every oral med known, 16 years later I am on insulin while my friend still controls his with diet and exercise. We are all different.

[Lloyd]

I had 12 years on pills, with A1c's in the 7's.

My last 11 A1c's on a pump have been 5.5 or less.

Please don't think of insulin as the beginning of the end, people. In my case, it has been the beginning of great control.

-Lloyd