On average, one in four diabetes patients must conserve their insulin for financial reasons, raising concerns about the potential health risks associated with insulin rationing .
But what happens if a diabetic does not have access to insulin or cannot afford it? How long can they go without insulin without endangering their health?
In this article, we review the potential dangers and complications of not taking insulin in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and discuss what steps can be taken to ensure access to this vital medication.
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How long can a type 1 diabetic be without insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body. People with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, while people with type 2 diabetes may produce too little insulin or have resistance to its effects.
How long a diabetic can be without insulin therefore depends on their type of diabetes , but also on other factors such as insulin sensitivity, weight, diet or physical activity, to name a few.
For people with type 1 diabetes, the risk of not taking insulin is much higher , as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can quickly develop. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and life-threatening complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. It occurs when there is a lack of insulin, which causes the body to break down fat instead of glucose for energy. When fat is broken down, ketones are produced, which can increase the acidity in the blood.
DKA occurs most often in people with type 1 diabetes, but in rare cases it can also occur in people with type 2 diabetes. DKA can lead to dehydration, vomiting, confusion, coma, and even death if left untreated.
If a person has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, they may still have residual insulin in their body that can keep them alive for a few days or even a week before they develop DKA.
However, some people with type 1 diabetes, especially children and adolescents, are so dependent on insulin injections that they can develop DKA symptoms in less than a day .
How long a person can survive without insulin also depends on the type of insulin used and its duration of action (long-acting or rapid-acting insulin), as well as diet, carbohydrate intake and physical activity. In general, however, a type 1 diabetic is likely to begin showing signs of DKA within 24 to a maximum of 48 hours .
Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
As mentioned above, diabetic ketoacidosis is very serious and requires emergency medical attention . If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of DKA. These include, but are not limited to, the following symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
- High ketone concentrations in urine or blood
- nausea or vomiting
- pain in the abdomen
- weakness or fatigue
- shortness of breath
- Fruity-smelling breath
- confusion or difficulty concentrating
- loss of appetite
- loss of consciousness
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How long can type 2 diabetics survive without insulin?
First of all, not all type 2 diabetics need insulin. However, those who do need insulin to control their blood sugar levels should never stop taking it without proper medical advice.
In people with type 2 diabetes and insulin therapy, not taking insulin can lead to hyperglycemia.
The main risks of skipping insulin doses in type 2 diabetes and persistent hyperglycemia are long-term diabetes complications such as kidney and eye damage, heart disease, or peripheral neuropathy. Although these damages are not immediately visible, they are present and can have life-threatening consequences in the future.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia include blurred vision, frequent urination, severe thirst, weakness, and headaches. If left untreated, hyperglycemia can develop over days or weeks and may even be fatal in type 2 diabetes.
What if you can't afford insulin?
If you or someone you know who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes is struggling to get insulin, it's important to speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible for help and support. As mentioned, insulin deficiency can be life-threatening , especially for people with type 1 diabetes. If you can't afford insulin, there may be a few options:
- Talk to your healthcare provider: Let them know you're having financial difficulties purchasing insulin. They can work with you to find more affordable options or alternative treatments.
- Look for assistance programs : There are many assistance programs to help cover the cost of insulin. Some organizations offer free or discounted insulin to people who meet certain criteria. You can search for these programs online or ask your doctor for recommendations.
- Contact your insulin manufacturer : Some insulin manufacturers offer patient assistance programs that provide free or reduced-price insulin to people who can't afford it. Contact your insulin manufacturer to find out if they offer programs you might qualify for.
- Consider switching to a different type of insulin : Your healthcare provider may be able to recommend a different type of insulin that is more convenient for you, but never change insulin without your doctor's advice.
- Look for discounts : Many pharmacies offer discount programs or coupons for insulin. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer discounts.
It's important to remember that insulin is a life-saving medication , and finding a way to get it if you have insulin-dependent diabetes is crucial.
We would love to hear from you!
We hope this article has shed some light on the risks of going without insulin for people with diabetes. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's continue the conversation about improving access to affordable insulin and supporting people with diabetes!
