How to Lower Your Insulin Needs (for Diabetics)

Stable blood sugar levels with less insulin means better health and lower prescription drug costs. Type 2 diabetics can often completely eliminate their need for insulin and other diabetes-related drugs. While Type 1 diabetics always need some amount of insulin to live, they can also lower their total insulin dosages while improving their blood glucose control. (I'm a Type 1 diabetic and personally followed these steps to half my insulin basal rates and raise my correction bolus from 1:10 to 1:45.)

Things You'll Need

• Less insulin!

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Instructions

• 1

  Lose weight. The less you weigh, the less insulin you'll need.

• 2

  Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. The more intense the exercise the better, but if you don't exercise regularly, start with a brisk walk.

• 3

  Switch to an insulin pump. Tighter control of your blood sugar means you can use less insulin and get better control.

• 4

  Test your blood sugar at least six times a day or, even better, use a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Knowing what your blood sugar is throughout the day and night will let you know exactly where you need more insulin, and exactly where you don't.

• 5

  Eat less food overall. Aim for more filling food -- high in fiber, high in protein. Drink lots of water -- at least 100oz a day.

• 6

  Eat less carbohydrates. Replace carbohydrate-rich food with low-carbohydrate foods like vegetables.

• 7

  Eat less than 20 grams of fat a day. This includes ALL fats, even good fats like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. (This step alone will have a big impact in a short period of time, so be careful!)

• 8

  Eliminate animal products -- meat *and* dairy -- from your diet for 30 days. If it doesn't make a difference, go back to your previous eating habits -- but you might be pleasantly surprised.