Quick Take: A social media post claims that regular insulin can cause heart failure and stroke. After fact-checking, we found this claim to be mostly false.

Rating: Mostly False

The Claim:

A Facebook post circulating on social media claims that “taking medications and injecting insulin regularly can cause heart failure and stroke.” It further alleges that experts from the Ministry of Health have found a quick and cost-effective way to treat diabetes at home.

Can Insulin Injections Cause Heart Failure or Stroke?

Not directly, but some risks do exist. Insulin itself doesn’t cause heart failure or stroke but plays a crucial role in managing diabetes, especially for those with type 1 and some with type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar and prevents serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease. However, recent studies suggest insulin may raise risks for certain patients, although heart attacks and strokes aren’t confirmed side effects.

A 2022 review found that heart failure patients on insulin had higher rates of death and hospitalization compared to those on non-insulin therapies. Although insulin didn’t raise the risk of stroke or heart attack, complications like fluid retention can worsen heart conditions, highlighting the need for close monitoring.

Additionally, a 2013 review compared insulin with metformin for type 2 diabetes and found that insulin therapy was associated with higher risks of heart attacks, strokes, eye issues, and kidney problems. On the other hand, a 2011 review raised concerns about increasing doses, severe hypoglycemia, and even a higher risk of death or cancers like pancreatic cancer.

A 2017 review further associated insulin with weight gain, recurrent hypoglycemia, and heart issues, suggesting it may have a less favorable long-term safety profile compared to other diabetes treatments. These risks should be carefully weighed.

Expert Opinions:

Edoms Health editorial: “Insulin injections themselves do not directly cause heart failure or stroke. However, patients with diabetes, especially those with long-standing or poorly controlled blood sugar levels, already face an elevated risk of cardiovascular complications. This is due to the chronic nature of diabetes, which can damage blood vessels and lead to atherosclerosis.”

He further explains, “Insulin can sometimes contribute indirectly to these risks if it leads to episodes of severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar), which can stress the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular events.”

Edoms Health editorial: “Insulin injections alone do not lead to heart failure or stroke. Insulin is vital for managing blood sugar levels in diabetes and helps prevent long-term complications, including cardiovascular disease. However, poorly controlled diabetes or improperly managed insulin can contribute to cardiovascular risks.”

Are There Risks Associated with Using Insulin?

Yes, but they are manageable. Insulin therapy comes with risks, most commonly hypoglycemia, where blood sugar drops too low. This can cause dizziness, confusion, or even unconsciousness in severe cases. Regular monitoring and proper dosing usually manage these risks well.

Other potential side effects of insulin therapy include weight gain and rare electrolyte imbalances, like hypokalemia. The subcutaneous injection route can also cause pain or fat loss at the injection site. Some patients may experience the Somogyi effect (where low blood sugar at night causes high levels in the morning) or the dawn phenomenon (where early morning high blood sugar results from inadequate insulin). These conditions can be managed by adjusting insulin doses.

Edoms Health editorial: “Insulin carries risks, but with proper management, patients can generally control them. Hypoglycemia is the main concern, but careful dosing and monitoring minimize these risks. Insulin plays a vital role in diabetes care, and its benefits far outweigh the manageable side effects.”

Is There a Quick and Cost-Effective Way to Treat Diabetes at Home?

No, there isn’t. Diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, requires long-term management through lifestyle changes, monitoring, and often medications. Claims of a quick remedy are misleading and can be dangerous. There is no shortcut to managing diabetes. Moreover, such claims may encourage people to abandon essential treatments, leading to severe health consequences.

Has the Ministry of Health Endorsed an Alternative Treatment for Diabetes?

No, it hasn’t. There is no evidence to support claims that any Ministry of Health has promoted a quick or affordable alternative to insulin. Health authorities worldwide recommend insulin and other proven treatments to manage diabetes. Any suggestion of an alternative is likely part of misinformation. Always consult a healthcare provider for safe and effective diabetes management.

Edoms Health Take:

The claim that insulin causes heart failure and stroke is mostly false. Insulin is vital for managing diabetes, though some studies suggest higher risks for heart failure patients. Proper use helps prevent serious complications like heart disease. Healthcare providers should weigh other risks, such as hypoglycemia and potential links to cancer, against its benefits. The claim of a Ministry of Health-endorsed alternative is also false—diabetes management requires long-term care, not quick fixes.

For more accurate and up-to-date information on health and wellness, keep following Edoms Health.