Insulin treatment could help those with diabetes maintain independent living arrangements

Diabetes can affect many people in independent living communities and other retirement communities, since approximately half of all diabetes cases are diagnosed in people aged 60 or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Concerns over insulin-based treatments has led some patients to question its viability as a therapy, but a new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests that for diabetes patients looking to maintain an independent living situation, it may be the best front-line option.


Researchers there followed patients aged 21 to 70 who had recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and found that after three months, side effects such as weight gain did not occur in those who had been taking insulin compared to other treatments.


"There is a myth out in the community...

that insulin is the last resort, and that somebody started on insulin is going to die," said lead researcher Dr Ildiko Lingvay. "We as physicians are responsible for teaching the patient that that's not the case."


Instead, Lingvay and the rest of the study's team advocate that with easier-to-use insulin options available, patients should be using them more frequently.


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