Evolution and Revolution-Our Changing Relationship With Insulin

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition with a complex pathophysiology. Over time, additional therapies are needed to maintain glycemic control. It is well known that, by the time of diagnosis, beta cell function has already declined by 50% to 80%. When the body is no longer able to make enough insulin to control blood glucose levels, insulin replacement therapy is needed. However, barriers to initiation of insulin therapy are multifactorial and contribute to delays in treatment and consequent uncontrolled glycemia; this leads to an increased risk of disease complications. In this roundtable discussion, the authors review how people living with type 2 diabetes and their healthcare providers view the initiation of insulin. Other topics include the benefits of longer-acting basal insulin analogs compared with long-acting analogs. The authors emphasize the importance of early and positive conversations about insulin therapy, as well as the benefits of shared decision-making and the use of the wider medical team for the timely initiation of basal insulin therapy.