Starting insulin (for people with type 2 diabetes)

No. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different. People with type 1 diabetes need to use insulin as soon as they are diagnosed. People with type 2 diabetes can often use tablets or other injections to manage their diabetes for several years before they need to start insulin. 

No. Diabetes changes over time, and the way you manage it will need to change too. Using insulin can help you stay healthier by keeping your blood glucose levels within your target range.  

Many people say their insulin injections do not hurt, but everyone is different. Insulin needles are very small. Talk to your diabetes health professional if injecting insulin is painful for you – they may be able to help. 

It might feel hard at first, but most people find it easy once they get the hang of it. Your diabetes health professional can show you how to inject insulin. Ask them if you can practice with them at the clinic.  

Many people worry that their family and friends will see them as ‘sick’ and treat them differently. Talking to your loved ones about what starting insulin means for you will help them understand and support you. They may be happy to know that taking insulin means you are looking after yourself and will help you feel better. 

You will need to take insulin once or more each day at set times. For example, before breakfast, or with meals. Most people find it fits in with their usual daily routine. 

Yes, you can. You can inject insulin wherever you feel comfortable, like a restaurant table or somewhere private if it suits you better. No one should make you feel uncomfortable about taking your insulin when and where you need to.  

That is up to you. Many people let their loved ones know they are taking insulin and what to do in case of a hypo. Some people ask their family and friends to help them manage their diabetes. Others prefer to manage their diabetes themselves and keep it private.

In the first couple of months after starting insulin, you may need to see your doctor or diabetes nurse practitioner more often. This is so you can talk about how the insulin is working for you and learn about adjusting your dose if needed. After this, you will see them about every 3 to 6 months.

Yes. You will still be able to travel. You will need to plan carefully and pack all your diabetes supplies with plenty of spares. For example, a letter from your doctor, medicine prescriptions, insulin, needles, pens, and glucose monitoring supplies.  

For a smooth trip, talk with your diabetes health professional about how to prepare for travel. You can read more about diabetes and travel here. 

Many people who use insulin also drive. But you will need to tell your local driving authority about your diabetes and provide a regular ‘fitness to drive’ medical certificate. The main risk is having a hypo so there are extra precautions you must take to keep yourself and others safe on the road.  

Before your appointments, think about what you would like to talk about. It can help to write a list of questions or prompts to remind you on the day, for example:

• What is my target HbA1c? 
• Is my most recent HbA1c in my target range? 
• What are my treatment options? 
• What type of insulin would be best for me and why? 
• Will I have to check my blood glucose levels at home? How often? 
• Can you show me how to use an insulin injection device? 
• Can I practice injecting during an appointment? 
• What kind of support and education is available to me? 
• I need more information on: ____________ 

• Healthdirect (2024). Insulin and diabetes. 
• Government of Western Australia. Department of Health (2019). Insulin and diabetes. 
• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2024). Management of type 2 diabetes: A handbook for general practice. Medical management of glycaemia.