Overcoming the Fear of Injecting Insulin

Speaker 1: The first time my doctor said you're probably going to need insulin, I was really resistant. I was like, oh, I don't want to have to do that. Speaker 2: The thought of having to put something against my skin and puncture my skin is... I just can't do it. Speaker 3: I was like, yeah, that's enough to scare me straight. I'm good. I'm definitely afraid of needles. Speaker 4: I would do it to survive, but if it's something I don't have to do, I won't do it. Speaker 5: I always said I never wanted to get on insulin because I didn't think I would be able to give myself the shots. Dr. Cardillo: When we as doctors make that decision, it's a discussion with that patient that, hey, your diabetes is getting out of control here. Speaker 1: I wish my blood sugars were under control enough that I didn't need it, but I was already taking the metformin and I did need it. Speaker 5: You know what, this is my life, so let me try it. And it kind of burned once I pulled the needle out, but I mean, it was nothing to it. Speaker 7: Take the alcohol out, swab off a part of my leg or my stomach, then I close my eyes, and I put the needle in. It really doesn't hurt if you just do it. Dr. Cardillo: The main goal of introducing the insulin is to act as a bridging mechanism so that we can bring you back to a normal steady state that is controlled with diet, exercise, and oral medication. We know in a very predictable capacity that it works. It lowers your blood sugar. Speaker 1: I have to be really strict with that because if I stray a little, I really see it. I really see it on my blood numbers. Speaker 4: The doctor says, hey, you've got to take insulin, take your insulin. Take your insulin by all means. Speaker 8: I'm not a needle guy, you know, but it's something you've got to do.