Q: Which doctor should I consult for diabetes?
A: You should ideally consult a diabetologist for the treatment of diabetes. However, even you family physician can guide you in diagnosing and maintaining your blood sugar level.
Q: My doctor has prescribed insulin for my child with diabetes. Can’t my child take tablets instead?
A: Your child probably has a type of diabetes called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, where the pancreas is not producing enough insulin. These patients require insulin replacement. Oral diabetes medications are usually prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes, where patients are resistant to the effect of insulin. Some conditions where type 2 diabetes patients may also require insulin are as follows:
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In later stages, when the oral medications do not bring about adequate response.
In acute illnesses like acute infections, or during and soon after surgery.
In emergency conditions due to diabetes like diabetes ketoacidosis.
Q: Will my child have to take insulin injections for the rest of her life?
A: Your child will require insulin for the rest of her life. However, if any of the other drug delivery systems for insulin develops successfully, there is a chance that your child may be free from injections. Insulin pumps are quite popular and is one way to avoid regular injections.
Q: Can insulin be given in pregnancy?
A: Insulin is the ideal medication for the treatment of diabetes in pregnancy.
Q: If I have heart disease can I have Insulin?
A: If you are a diabetic and have heart disease, Insulin injection may control your diabetes better.
