Types of Diabetes Medication

There are several different types of diabetes medication. There are also other treatments that individuals who suffer from diabetes may be asked to try by their doctor. Many patients will be on more than one type of treatment for their diabetes. Perhaps the most well-known type of diabetes medication is insulin.

The type of diabetes that a person is diagnosed with will help to determine the medications available to them. Insulin is the only diabetes medication available for individuals that have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes. Individuals who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may be treated with insulin and/or diabetes pills.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to control its glucose levels. There are several different classifications of insulin and methods for taking them. Depending on the type, insulin can be taken with a shot by injecting it into the vein, muscle, or under the skin. Since a new medication was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006, insulin may even be taken through an inhaler. Insulin is generally classified as rapid acting, short acting, intermediate acting, long acting, or pre-mixed.

Insulin may have several side effects. These side effects include rash or swelling at the injection site and low blood sugar. The new inhaled insulin may cause side effects including sore throat, cough, dry mouth, and shortness of breath.

Diabetes Pills

There are 6 main oral diabetes medication types however; each of them is designed to work in a similar way. These oral drugs are designed to cause the patient’s pancreas to produce more insulin. Often doctors will prescribe more than one of these medications at a time to patients, as they can be more effective when used in conjunction with one another. The side effects of these diabetes medications can include rash, upset stomach, low blood sugar, and weight gain.

Other Diabetes Treatments

There are other treatments doctors may suggest their patients adhere to in addition to or in replacement of diabetes pills and insulin treatments. Most notably doctors may treat their patients with diet and exercise. By increasing their exercise and watching their diet (thereby reducing their weight in many cases), patients can greatly help to control their diabetes in a way that may be healthier than insulin and diabetes medication treatments.

In many cases doctors will use diabetes pills in addition to diet and exercise changes to help improve a patients’ overall health and reduce their dependence on diabetes medication.

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