From 100+ Units/Day to Insulin-Free: A Patient’s Triumph Over Type 2 Diabetes
In my work as an endocrinologist, I’ve witnessed numerous stories of resilience, but few are as impactful as one particular patient’s journey, a 55-year-old who transformed her life after facing severe diabetes challenges. Her story is a testament to the power of tailored medical care and determination.
Her struggle began with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis after a serious episode of diabetic ketoacidosis, requiring urgent medical intervention. Previously under the care of a primary physician, her diabetes management lacked the intensive approach needed, which led her condition to worsen. Upon her hospital discharge, she was managing her diabetes with multiple daily insulin injections, which triggered a deep needle phobia, making self-care feel impossible.
When we first met, she was on a demanding and unsustainable regimen: 35 units of long-acting insulin twice daily, combined with over 100 units of fast-acting insulin per day. This regimen, coupled with her fear of needles, took an immense physical and emotional toll, leaving her feeling trapped in a body that no longer felt like her own.
Our initial consultations focused not only on adjusting her medications but also on tackling the psychological barriers she faced. By introducing smaller needles and adjusting her dosing schedule, we gradually eased her discomfort. Integrating technology was another crucial step. With a Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring system, she could track her glucose levels in real time, eliminating the need for finger sticks and restoring a sense of control over her condition.
Over the next six to seven months, we significantly reduced her insulin doses through close monitoring, adjustments to her diet, and data from her CGM. She was eventually able to transition to a once-weekly dose of Ozempic—far less invasive and more manageable for her.
This transformation wasn’t solely medical; it was deeply personal. She regained the ability to engage actively with her family and embrace a more fulfilling life. She no longer lived in fear of hypoglycemia and began to feel truly in tune with her body, understanding when to act if her glucose fluctuated.
"I was doing five shots a day, checking my glucose every few hours. It was overwhelming. I felt out of touch with myself, drained mentally and physically, like being trapped in a body I didn’t recognize. With the new treatment plan, I finally felt back in control. I could enjoy my life again, and the support I received made all the difference.”
Looking back on her journey, it’s clear that diabetes management should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. Her story underscores the importance of compassionate, individualized care that meets a patient’s physical, emotional, and lifestyle needs. I hope sharing her experience can inspire others facing similar challenges and encourage healthcare providers to prioritize personalized, empathetic patient care.