Diabetes: Insulin Side Effects and Dietary Tips

Q: Diabetes: Insulin Side Effects and Dietary Tips

Hello Mr. <br>Chen： <br>1. <br>In the past, insulin derived from pigs or cows contained many impurities, and long-term injections could easily cause redness, swelling, itching at the injection sites, or insulin resistance. <br>However, we have now switched to human insulin, which

Diabetes mellitus

Hello Dr.
Yang,
1.
What are the potential side effects of insulin administration?
2.
What foods can be beneficial for diabetes?
3.
Is there a connection between diabetes and the liver?

Mr. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/03/16

Dr. Yang Junkui reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello Mr.
Chen:
1.
In the past, insulin derived from pigs or cows contained many impurities, and long-term injections could easily cause redness, swelling, itching at the injection sites, or insulin resistance.
However, we have now switched to human insulin, which has significantly reduced these side effects.

2.
It is important to develop a regular eating schedule with appropriate portion sizes, ensuring a balanced intake of carbohydrates, fruits, fats, dairy, and protein sources such as meat, fish, eggs, and legumes.
Discuss with your physician and follow a dietary plan that includes high-fiber foods to slow down carbohydrate absorption.
Examples include oats, job's tears, unprocessed legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

3.
Insulin can activate the liver to participate in glucose metabolism; however, the key factors are whether the pancreas secretes enough insulin and whether the cells are sensitive to insulin.
Consider a combination of traditional and Western medicine to enhance pancreatic function and enable cells to effectively utilize blood glucose, gradually leading your body towards better health.

Reply Date: 2013/03/16

More Info

Understanding diabetes management is crucial for individuals diagnosed with this condition, especially when it comes to insulin therapy, dietary choices, and the relationship between diabetes and liver health. Let’s delve into each of your questions.

1. Insulin Side Effects: Insulin therapy is a common treatment for diabetes, particularly for those with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes. While insulin is essential for controlling blood sugar levels, it can have side effects. The most notable side effect is hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which can occur if too much insulin is administered relative to food intake or physical activity. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, sweating, confusion, irritability, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Other potential side effects include weight gain, as insulin promotes the storage of glucose and fat in the body. Additionally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions at the injection site, such as redness or swelling. Long-term use of insulin can also lead to lipodystrophy, a condition where the fatty tissue under the skin changes due to repeated injections in the same area.

2. Dietary Tips for Diabetes: A well-balanced diet is fundamental in managing diabetes. Foods that can help include:
- Whole grains: Foods like brown rice, quinoa, and whole grain bread have a lower glycemic index, which means they raise blood sugar levels more slowly.

- Non-starchy vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, and peppers are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them ideal for blood sugar control.

- Lean proteins: Sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils can help maintain muscle mass and promote satiety without spiking blood sugar.

- Healthy fats: Incorporating sources of unsaturated fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, can improve heart health and help with weight management.

- Fiber-rich foods: Foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes, can slow down the absorption of sugar and help regulate blood sugar levels.

- Limit processed foods and sugars: Reducing intake of sugary snacks, beverages, and highly processed foods can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

3. Diabetes and Liver Health: There is a significant relationship between diabetes and liver health. The liver plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, and conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are common in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, can lead to fat accumulation in the liver, which may progress to inflammation and liver damage over time. Maintaining a healthy liver is essential for effective diabetes management, as liver dysfunction can further complicate blood sugar control. Regular monitoring of liver function through blood tests is advisable for individuals with diabetes, especially if they are on medications that may affect liver health.

In conclusion, managing diabetes effectively involves understanding the implications of insulin therapy, making informed dietary choices, and recognizing the interconnectedness of liver health with diabetes. It is always recommended to work closely with healthcare professionals, including dietitians and endocrinologists, to tailor a management plan that suits individual needs and circumstances. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help mitigate risks and promote overall well-being.

Similar Q&A

Managing Diabetes: Diet Tips, Insulin Effects, and New Treatments

1. I would like to know what dietary choices are best for managing diabetes. 2. Does long-term insulin injection have adverse effects on the body? 3. Are there better treatment options available for diabetes now?

Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine
1. Avoid consuming high-sugar foods such as sugary beverages, and increase physical activity. 2. Insulin is a substance that the body naturally produces, making it essential for the treatment of diabetes, and it does not have adverse effects. 3. There are now many new oral medica...

Understanding Insulin Use in Diabetes: Risks, Concerns, and Alternatives

Hello Dr. Shi, my mother (63 years old) has been suffering from diabetes for nearly 30 years (family history). She has been controlling her blood sugar with oral medications, but since the end of last year, an increase in medication dosage has caused diarrhea. The doctor recommen...

Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Miss Huang: I apologize for the delayed response due to a computer malfunction. Your questions are very professional. 1. There are many causes of diarrhea, and certain oral antidiabetic medications can indeed cause diarrhea (such as Glucobay and Glucophage). You should consult ...

Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions on Symptoms and Treatment

Hello, doctor. I am a university student majoring in biomedical sciences, and I am currently working on a paper discussion topic. My report is about the use of Ephedra to treat hyperglycemia and oxidative stress caused by diabetes. Initially, I noticed some symptoms of diabetes, ...

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello, university student: If you are currently experiencing any symptoms of diabetes, the best solution is to visit a hospital for testing, as you may receive results on the same day. Streptozotocin is used in medical research to establish animal models for Type 1 diabetes, whil...

Managing Diabetes in Seniors: Key Tips for Care and Nutrition

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my grandmother, who is 77 years old and has diabetes (not on insulin). In mid-July, her blood sugar spiked to over 200, and she received medication at the clinic, which caused her blood sugar to drop too low. Since then, her appetite has w...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. The treatment of diabetes includes three main components: diet, exercise, and medication, all of which are essential and cannot be neglected. It cannot be fully explained in just a few words. On the other hand, the complications of diabetes include both acute and chronic condi...