Insulin is generally used when nothing else seems to work. Insulin can be very expensive, especially the "designer" drugs such as Lantus, Levemir, Humalog, Novolog and Apidra, but there are much less expensive versions such as Novolin R (Regular) , a faster acting insulin, and the Novolin NPH, which is a longer acting insulin. These insulin's have worked fine for many people, for many years. Take a look at the
Blood Sugar 101 thread. Pay particular attention to the "Diabetes on a Budget" section. Good luck with your control and management.