Insulin injection – FAQs

Insulin cannot be taken as a tablet, because when it is, it gets broken down in your gut and stops working. Read more about insulin.

There is no animal-derived insulin available in New Zealand. Until the 1980s, insulin derived from the pancreases of cows and pigs was the only type of insulin available for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes. However, these days insulin is produced by gene technology. This involves scientists inserting a human gene into the genetic material of bacteria which then produce human insulin.  

Needing insulin is not your ‘fault’, and you have not ‘failed’ in any way. In type 1 diabetes, your pancreas makes little or no insulin, so you need insulin injection to replace the insulin your body isn't able to make. With type 2 diabetes, your bodies ability to produce insulin slowing gets worse over time. This is because the cells that produce insulin in your pancreas continue to be damaged or die and your body is less able to make enough insulin to balance the blood glucose. For this reason, you may need to also start taking insulin injections. 

Insulin injections are a powerful and effective treatment for managing blood glucose levels. Insulin helps improve your long-term health. Keeping blood glucose levels within your target range reduces your risk of long-term complications.

When you learn how to take insulin, you will also learn how to prevent low blood sugar, how to recognise the signs and what to do if it happens. Read more about low blood glucose. 

It is true that some people taking insulin gain weight and if that worries you, there are ways to help prevent weight gain. Talk to your doctor or specialist diabetes nurse about your concerns. 

Insulin needles are so short and fine that nearly everyone finds that their insulin injections are far more comfortable than finger pricks. Insulin injections go just under your skin and not into a vein. Before starting insulin, your specialist diabetes nurse will show you how to inject insulin properly and some simple techniques to help you reduce the pain such as changing the injection sites and not reusing needles. Read more about injecting insulin.

If your diabetes is well controlled, you can drive a private car safely. If you sometimes experience hypos without warning signs (known as hypoglycaemia unawareness), it may be unwise for you to drive. You should discuss this with your health practitioner or specialist diabetes nurse. Read more about diabetes and driving.

Yes. It is important to still maintain a healthy lifestyle when taking insulin. Eating a healthy diet and exercising also helps to control your blood sugar levels, your weight and has other health benefits. 

While people with type 1 diabetes need to have insulin injections, those with type 2 diabetes are confronted with the decision about whether to start insulin or remain on diabetes tablets. It's important to discuss this with your doctor, here are some things to think about.