Treatment
Q: I really don't want to go on to insulin - how can I avoid this for as long as possible?
Many people are very scared about changing to insulin because they feel their diabetes has suddenly become more serious. Some feel guilty “If only I had controlled my diabetes better this wouldn’t be necessary”. Diabetes is a progressive condition and over time it is unlikely that the treatment you were first given will continue to work as well. Using insulin means that your body needs a bit more help than tablets can provide to keep you healthy. Most people who do make the change to insulin say that they feel much fitter and wish they had changed earlier. Talk to your healthcare team if you are worried.
If you are concerned that using insulin conflicts with your religious beliefs, or if you are a strict vegetarian, raise your concerns with your doctor. Most insulin prescribed today is genetically engineered “human” insulin., which doesn’t involve the use of any animal, or indeed human, products.
Q: My GP/clinic has told me I can't have (as many) test strips any more. What should I do?
Diabetes UK is keen to hear from people who are having issues with accessing testing strips. Please contact careline to log your views.
Diabetes UK has launched an online campaigning tool, making it quick and simple to raise concerns with your MP. The Diabetes UK e-campaigning tool enables you to find out who your MP is, personalise a ready-made campaigns letter and email it directly to your MP. Follow the link below.
Access to test strips campaign or download a letter to take to your GP
GP letter download (word 75Kb)
For more information on blood testing follow this link:
Home monitoring of blood glucose levels
Q: What are the possible side effects of my medication?
Every medication is different please click the following link and chose your type from the right hand navigation
Treatments information
Q: I am having difficulty getting a sharps bin, what should I do?
People with diabetes who have difficulty accessing appropriate storage or disposal equipment should contact their local health board or Primary Care Trust. Download the Diabetes UK position statement on sharps for more information on this:
Safe disposal of sharps (PDF 178KB)