Diabetes is a chronic health condition. That changes how your body uses blood sugar, or glucose. The treatment of diabetes typically includes medications. Lifestyle changes and monitoring. Treatment Wise, there are two main medication options that are used. Both work, but in different ways.
Recognizing the distinctions between injectable insulin therapies and oral medications will empower you or your loved one to make the best choice. Because sometimes with the help of your caring Diabetes Treatment Center.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when your body cannot make or use insulin properly. Insulin, a hormone, helps glucose get into your cells. To be used for energy. If glucose can’t penetrate your cells. It builds up in your bloodstream. This produces high blood sugar, which over time can damage your heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves.
Generally, diabetes is of two types:
- Type 1 diabetes: Little to no insulin is made in the body. It typically begins in childhood or young adulthood.
- Type 2 diabetes: Either the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or it doesn’t use insulin well. It usually starts with adults, but kids can get it as well.
Insulin Therapy
People with type 1 diabetes depend on insulin therapy, and some with type 2 diabetes might also need it. Because their bodies are not capable of producing enough insulin, it must be administered by injection.
How Insulin Is Taken:
- Syringes or pens: Most individuals inject insulin underneath the skin using these.
- Insulin pumps: A small machine that is worn on the body that provides insulin all day.
- Inhaled insulin: It’s a more recent choice for some people, but far less popular.
Types of Insulin:
- Rapid-acting: Takes effect soon after injection and can be used before meals.
- Short-acting: It works in 30 minutes and lasts for a few hours.
- Intermediate-acting: Provides insulin coverage for half a day or overnight.
- Long-acting: Works for up to 24 hours and helps manage blood sugar between meals and while sleeping.
Pros:
- Essential for type 1 diabetes
- Act to reduce sugar in the blood
- Many varieties to meet different needs
Cons:
- Requires injections or pump
- May cause low blood pressure Can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Need to keep blood sugar tightly controlled
Oral Medications
Type 2 diabetes is commonly managed by taking oral medications. They work to make the body use insulin more effectively — or produce more insulin.
Some of the most normal Oral Medicines:
- Metformin: Makes your body more sensitive to insulin, and lowers glucose produced by the liver.
- Sulfonylureas: Help the pancreas produce more insulin.
- DPP-4 inhibitors: Aid blood sugar without causing low blood sugar.
- SGLT2 inhibitors: This type of medication helps to flush sugar from the body through urine.
- Thiazolidinediones: Help the body use insulin better.
Pros:
- No injections needed
- Easy to take with meals
- May be first step in treating type 2 diabetes
Cons:
- May not work for everyone
- A few also have side effects such as weight gain and stomach upset
- May need to be used with insulin eventually
Choosing the Right Treatment
Treatment Your doctor will assist in determining the best treatment depending on:
- Type of diabetes
- Blood sugar levels
- Age and lifestyle
- Other health conditions
That’s one approach you might choose, and many individuals can start with oral medication and need insulin later. Others might use both. Regular checkups and tests will indicate how well the treatment is working.
A Diabetes Treatment Center can provide personalized coaching plans, diet tips, education and support. Many centers also provide instruction on how to use insulin devices or take your medication safely.
Lifestyle Matters Too
Medication is just one component of the plan. Good habits have an outsized effect on how you manage diabetes:
- Eat well rounded meals that include greens, whole grains and lean protein.
- You should exercise regularly to aid your body in using insulin better.
- Monitor your blood sugar as directed by your doctor.
- Adhere to an organized medication and appointment schedule.”
Final Thoughts
Insulin and oral medications were both powerful weapons in controlling diabetes. What works for one individual may simply not work for someone else. The objective is always the same: to maintain blood sugar at a healthy level and stave off complications.
If you are uncertain how you should be treated, discuss your concerns with your doctor or go to the nearest Diabetes Treatment Center. With a plan and enough support and care, diabetes can be kept under control — and life can be a lot healthier. To schedule your appointment with the highest standard of care and visit Sahara West Urgent Care, visit our website.
FAQs
Q1: What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition where your body can’t properly use or produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Q2: What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes means the body produces little or no insulin, often starting in childhood. Type 2 means the body doesn’t use insulin effectively or doesn’t produce enough, and it’s more common in adults.
Q3: How does insulin therapy work?
Insulin therapy helps move glucose into your cells for energy. It’s delivered through injections, insulin pumps, or in some cases, inhaled insulin.
Q4: How do oral medications help with diabetes?
Oral medications either help your body use insulin more efficiently or stimulate more insulin production.
Q5: What are the different types of insulin?
There are four main types: rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting — each works over a different time span.
