For most diabetics, needles to inject insulin or perform a finger prick for testing blood glucose levels is a fact of life. Even if you’re using a modern blood sugar monitoring system that eliminates finger pricks, chances are you’re going to have to administer insulin from a vial via a syringe or a needle for insulin pens.
A fear of needles is a major problem for anyone with diabetes. It’s traumatic enough when someone else is giving you an injection and it may seem like a nearly insurmountable task when asked to do it to yourself – not to mention the regular blood tests required at the doctor’s office.
A fear of needles can cause mild anxiety to incapacitating fear, depending on the individual. However, you may be one of the millions of people that is able to overcome the fear and anxiety on your own. Faced with a choice of testing and injecting insulin vs. the potential of dying is an excellent motivator.
Determining the Cause
The method and technique to help you address your fear of needles will depend largely on the reason for it. Anxiety or outright fear can stem from a prior physical experience that was painful or unpleasant. For others, the fear can be psychological in nature. It’s important for you to try and determine the reason for your fear to get the appropriate help.
Antianxiety Medication
It’s important that you speak with your physician about your trepidation. He/she can prescribe anti-anxiety medication that can help calm you. If your doctor doesn’t listen, isn’t sympathetic to your plight, or minimizes your fear, perhaps it’s time to find another physician.
Numbing Creams/Gels
There are over-the-counter and prescription level creams and gels that can be applied topically prior to the needle stick to numb the area. They can be particularly beneficial if the fear of pain associated with a needle stick is at the root of the problem.
Therapy
A therapist can help you minimize, cope with, or completely eradicate your fear of needles. A highly-trained therapist can help you ascertain where your fear originates and provide ways for you to overcome it. Some mental health professionals can also prescribe medications, while others will work with your physician if any type of medication is required.
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