Every hour, more than 150 people are diagnosed with diabetes in the United States. Of the 18 million Americans who have diabetes, an unprecedented number are being diagnosed at a younger age, affecting Americans in the prime of their lives.

While many people are able to control diabetes through diet and exercise and even oral medications, often insulin therapy ultimately is required to maintain control of blood sugars and help avoid long-term risks like blindness, limb amputations and heart disease.

When insulin was first discovered 80 years ago, it turned a life-threatening disease into a manageable condition. But despite the life-saving benefits of insulin therapy, many people with diabetes are reluctant to take insulin. One survey found that 55 percent of type 2 diabetes patients worry about starting insulin therapy, according to Diabetes, Attitudes, Wishes and Needs, a report commissioned by Novo Nordisk.

"The trouble is if people with diabetes let these fears prevent them from using insulin, it may also keep them from feeling better and living longer," said Dr. Stephen Brunton, professor of family medicine at the University of California, Irvine. "People tell me how much better they feel after they start taking insulin and their blood sugars are closer to normal. Many of them say they wish they started insulin much sooner."

It is important to remember that diabetes is a progressive disease and starting insulin, as prescribed by your doctor, can help you better manage this condition.

To help overcome concerns about insulin, talk to your doctor. With new advances in insulin therapy, starting insulin has never been easier. To help overcome fear of needles, there is a delivery system called FlexPen(r) prefilled insulin syringe that has a smaller, thinner needle that is practically pain free.

In addition, currently there are insulin therapies available that provide better control of blood sugar levels. One insulin therapy, called NovoLog(r) Mix 70/30 (70 percent insulin aspart protamine suspension and 30 percent insulin aspart injection, [rDNA origin]), combines the action of two insulin products into one, providing better glucose-lowering action throughout the day, especially after meals when blood sugar rises.

NovoLog Mix 70/30 is for use in patients with diabetes to control high blood glucose. You should know that NovoLog Mix 70/30 is different from other insulin mixtures because it works fast. So it's important to take your dose within 15 minutes of a meal. Also, check your blood glucose regularly. Do not use NovoLog Mix 70/30 if your blood glucose is too low or if you are allergic to this medication. Low blood glucose is the most common side effect.