How Much Insulin You Take in a Day Doesn’t Define You

You're absolutely right: how much insulin you take in a day doesn’t define you. This is such an important message for anyone managing Type 1 diabetes, especially if they're grappling with feelings of self-worth, body image concerns, or societal pressures.

Here’s why insulin needs don’t define you and some thoughts on embracing this mindset:

Living with Type 1 diabetes means that insulin is a crucial part of your daily life. It’s the lifeline that keeps your blood sugar in check and allows you to live a full life despite the challenges of the condition. However, for many people with diabetes, the amount of insulin they need each day can become a source of anxiety, guilt, or even shame. 

Insulin is a Tool, Not a Judgment

No two bodies are the same, and this is especially true for those managing Type 1 diabetes.

• Insulin as a Tool: Insulin is a life-saving medication that helps you manage your blood sugar, no matter how much or how little you need. The amount you take isn’t a reflection of your effort, health, or value as a person.
• Everyone’s body is different:  Factors like age, weight, activity level, hormones, and stress all influence insulin requirements. Comparing your insulin dose to others isn’t helpful because it’s not a one-size-fits-all equation.

Your Insulin Dose Reflects Your Body’s Needs

It’s also important to recognise that your insulin requirements can change over time. This is a normal part of diabetes management, not a reflection of failure.

• Insulin Requirements: Needing more or less insulin simply shows how your body processes carbohydrates and responds to external factors. It’s not “good” or “bad”; it’s just a biological response.For example:
• During growth spurts, illness, or periods of high stress, your body may need more insulin.
• Increased physical activity or changes in food intake may lower your insulin needs temporarily. Both are normal.

Shame Around Insulin Can Be Harmful

• Feelings around insulin: Feeling shame or guilt about taking insulin can lead to dangerous behaviours, such as skipping doses or under-dosing to reduce perceived weight gain. This puts your health at serious risk.
• Thinking about insulin: Reframing insulin as a positive part of your health care can help reduce this shame. Insulin allows you to live, thrive, and enjoy your life to the fullest.

You Are Not Defined by Numbers

Diabetes management often revolves around numbers—blood sugar readings, carb counts, insulin doses. But these numbers don’t tell the full story.

• More Than a Number: The amount of insulin you take is just a number. It doesn’t measure your character, your resilience, or your ability to manage your diabetes. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but it’s crucial to remember that they don’t define who you are.
• Avoiding Self-Judgment: It’s natural to feel frustrated or even guilty if you feel like you’re taking more insulin than you “should.” But self-judgment only adds to the stress. Instead, focus on the fact that you’re doing what you need to do to take care of your health.

Insulin Amount ≠ Your Effort or Willpower

• Managing Type 1 diabetes is incredibly demanding, but the amount of insulin you take isn’t a reflection of your success or how “in control” you are.
• Blood sugar fluctuations are affected by countless factors, many of which are outside your control. Taking more or less insulin to adapt to those fluctuations is a sign of strength and responsibility, not weakness.

Insulin Is Not the Enemy

In a world where diet culture often demonises carbs and insulin, it’s easy to develop a negative attitude toward insulin.

• Insulin Is Essential, Not Optional: Insulin isn’t something to be feared or avoided; it’s a necessary and life-saving treatment. Whether you need a little or a lot, insulin is what keeps your body functioning properly.
• Combatting Stigma: Unfortunately, there can be a stigma attached to needing “too much” insulin, perpetuated by misconceptions about diabetes. But needing more insulin doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It simply means you’re taking care of your body’s needs.

Embrace Body Positivity and Self-Compassion

• Body Image: If body image concerns are influencing how you feel about insulin, remember that your body is doing its best to function under unique circumstances. Insulin supports your body in staying strong and healthy.
• Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion by reminding yourself that your worth is not tied to your appearance, your numbers, or your insulin doses.

Focusing on Overall Health

Instead of fixating on insulin doses, shift your focus to your overall health and well-being.

• Holistic Health: Good diabetes management isn’t just about insulin doses. It’s about balancing blood sugar, staying active, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and taking care of your mental health. Your insulin needs are just one piece of the puzzle.
• Listening to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel, both physically and mentally. If you’re feeling good, energised, and healthy, that’s a more accurate measure of your diabetes management than how much insulin you’re using.

Building a Positive Relationship with Your Treatment

It’s important to cultivate a healthy, positive relationship with your diabetes treatment.

• Trusting Your Care Plan: Trust that your healthcare team has prescribed the insulin regimen that’s right for you. They’ve taken into account your unique needs and are working with you to manage your diabetes as effectively as possible.
• Acceptance and Self-Compassion: Accepting that you may need more or less insulin than others—and being compassionate with yourself about it—is a crucial step in reducing the emotional burden of diabetes. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s what matters most.

Connect with Support

• Support Groups: Join online or in-person communities of others living with Type 1 diabetes. You’ll often find shared experiences that reinforce the idea that insulin amounts are personal and variable, not a measure of worth.
• Professional Support: Seek support from healthcare providers who emphasise a holistic approach, focusing on mental and emotional health alongside physical care.

Celebrating Your Strength

Living with diabetes requires resilience, discipline, and self-care—all of which are far more important than any number on a vial or a syringe.

• Recognizing Your Effort: Every day, you make countless decisions to keep your blood sugar in check and manage your diabetes. Those decisions, and the effort you put into your health, are worth celebrating.
• Focusing on What You Can Control: While you can’t always control how much insulin your body needs, you can control your attitude and approach to managing your diabetes. Focusing on the positives and taking pride in your self-care can help you maintain a healthier perspective.

Conclusion

How much insulin you take in a day doesn’t define you. It’s just one aspect of managing Type 1 diabetes, and it’s one that varies from person to person and from day to day. You’re a whole, multifaceted person with strengths, talents, and so much to offer beyond this one aspect of your health. What truly matters is how you care for yourself, how you adapt to your body’s needs, and how you approach your diabetes with resilience and self-compassion. Embrace your journey, trust in your treatment, and remember that your worth is not measured by numbers, but by your strength, courage, and commitment to living well with diabetes.