Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream. In type 2 diabetes, your body cells become resistant to the insulin hormone. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes will lead to several other health complications such as kidney problems, liver problems, and cardiac diseases.
Diabetes treatment is a complex process; your physician will frame your treatment based on your body requirements. It is a multifaceted treatment that includes various medications and healthy diet patterns. In some cases, insulin is required, and some patients do well with the medicines such as metformin.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 122 million Americans are living with diabetes (34.2 million) and prediabetes (88 million) (1). Hence, it is important to understand the treatment options, their functions, advantages, and their side effects.
What are the Medicines Used for Diabetes?
The treatment approach for diabetes depends on the type of diabetes. Doctors continue to modify the treatment based on how well you respond. Maintaining your blood glucose levels within the healthy range is the main goal of the treatment. Underlying health conditions, your diet, and your lifestyle plays a significant role in your treatment.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is divided into three different types, namely:
Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, insulin intake is the preferred treatment, as your body fails to produce insulin hormone (2).
In type1 diabetes mellitus(T1), your pancreas fails to produce insulin. Insulin is an essential hormone to utilize and store glucose; hence your healthcare provider recommends insulin treatment. Most commonly, needles, pens, syringes, or insulin pumps are recommended. Some people prefer inhalers, jet injectors, and injection ports.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be managed with medicines, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle. Sometimes you may require insulin or other medications to control your blood sugar.
Gestational Diabetes
In the case of gestational diabetes, doctors generally suggest lifestyle modifications. It includes physical activities, a healthy diet, and frequent monitoring of blood glucose. Medicines such as metformin are advised. If blood glucose levels are high during the delivery or during c-section you may have to take insulin to bring down the blood glucose levels. A healthy lifestyle would help you maintain your glucose levels and also reduce pregnancy complications.
Since diabetes is a chronic disease, the treatment for this is also lifelong. Other health problems like high cholesterol, obesity, also need to be addressed to treat diabetes efficiently.
Insulin: Different Types and Different Ways
Different Types of Insulin
You will be advised to take particular insulin based on your body’s needs. This table includes the different types of insulin. Follow the doses and insulin which your doctor suggests.
| Insulin type |
Time taken to work after administration |
Peak time |
Duration of insulin effect |
| Rapid-acting |
15 min |
1 hr |
2-4 hr |
| Short-acting, also called regular |
30 min |
2-3hr |
3-6hr |
| Intermediate-acting |
2-4hr |
4-12hr |
12-18hr |
| Long-acting |
Several hrs |
Does not go to the peak |
24 or more |
Different Ways of Insulin Administration
Here is the list of different ways of insulin available in the market, which includes:
Insulin is generally administered in the form of injections; your doctor will recommend the dose as per your requirement. Now taking insulin is easier than ever; user-friendly insulin pens are available with a refill which has several doses of insulin with a smaller needle, and refills are replaceable.
Insulin treatment works fast; it is generally injected into your belly. However, you should avoid taking an injection on the same spot every time. You can inject it on your thigh, buttocks, and upper arms. Some people require only one shot a day. During surgeries or any medical emergencies, you may have to take it two to three times.
You can also choose insulin pumps, wearable devices, easy to operate, subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin in a flexible manner (3). You need to wear one insulin pump outside your body on a belt or in a pocket or pouch. This pump is connected to a small plastic tube with a very small needle; place it under your skin and this can stay there for several days. The insulin pump then pumps insulin as per your mealtimes.
An insulin pump has no tubes and can be directly attached to your skin and is also known as a self-adhesive pod.
The inhaler is another way to take insulin; you have breathed the powdered insulin through an inhaler device. This goes directly to the lungs and moves quickly to your blood. This is recommended only for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
It is a fine spray of insulin which is sprayed on your skin at very high pressure. It delivers insulin without the need for injection.
Oral Medicines For Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes are treated with metformin. Metformin lowers the glucose levels that your liver produces and hence helps your body to use insulin better. Metformin also helps you to lose a small amount of weight.
A combination of two or more drugs can reduce blood glucose than a single drug. Other common drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes include:
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
- DPP-4 inhibitors
- Meglitinides
- Sulfonylureas
- Bile acid sequestrants
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
Always follow the doses and medicines as per your doctor’s prescription. Some diabetes medicines may cause low blood sugar; hypoglycemia and other side effects such as weight gain. It’s important to have balanced medicines with food and physical activity (4).
Lifestyle and Diet for Diabetes
Diabetic people should engage themselves with a healthy and active lifestyle such as exercise, low carbs, and a low-calorie diet. They can also follow the DASH diet. Have a regular glucose check and maintain your blood glucose levels.
Your doctor or healthcare provider may suggest you take up a hemoglobin A1c test once in 6 months; it helps you monitor how well your blood sugar is controlled over 2-3 months.
Following a treatment approach advised by your doctor and a healthy lifestyle is vital to control your blood glucose levels.
Final Words
Diabetes is a chronic disease; management of the disease is essential to control and prevent secondary infections. Along with having prescribed medications, make positive changes in your lifestyle to keep your blood sugar under control. Always follow your doctor’s advice to avoid any complications.