Insulin and Medicines For Diabetes Treatment

Overview

Insulin and diabetes medications are vital tools in managing blood sugar levels and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

Insulin, often associated with Type 1 diabetes, is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. People with Type 2 diabetes might also need insulin if other treatments aren't enough. It's usually injected under the skin using a syringe, pen, or pump. Newer insulins offer more flexibility in dosing and timing.

Oral medications are commonly used for Type 2 diabetes. Metformin, a widely prescribed drug, helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce sugar production by the liver. Other medications work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin or by helping your body use insulin better.

GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors are newer classes of medications that help lower blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes. They can promote weight loss and have cardiovascular benefits.

It's important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage that suits individual needs. Combining medications with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and consistent blood sugar monitoring forms a comprehensive approach to effectively manage diabetes and lead a fulfilling life.

What tests are used to diagnose diabetes?

Diagnosing diabetes involves a series of tests that gauge blood sugar levels and provide insight into how the body processes glucose.

The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. A reading of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher typically indicates diabetes.

The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) involves fasting and then drinking a sugary solution. Blood sugar levels are checked at intervals afterward. A two-hour reading of 200 mg/dL or higher is indicative of diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test reflects average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. A result of 6.5% or higher usually indicates diabetes.

In addition, random blood sugar tests may be conducted to measure sugar levels at any time of day, and a result of 200 mg/dL or higher, coupled with diabetes symptoms, can suggest diabetes.

List of Common Diabetes Medications

1. Metformin: A widely prescribed medication for Type 2 diabetes, metformin helps lower blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production in the liver.

2. Sulfonylureas: These medications stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. Examples include glipizide, glyburide, and glimepiride.

3. Meglitinides: Similar to sulfonylureas, meglitinides prompt the pancreas to release more insulin after meals. Repaglinide and nateglinide are common examples.

4. DPP-4 Inhibitors: These medications help regulate blood sugar by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down hormones that stimulate insulin release. Sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin fall into this category.

5. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: GLP-1 agonists increase insulin release, slow digestion, and reduce appetite. Injectable options include exenatide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide.

6. SGLT2 Inhibitors: These medications lower blood sugar levels by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, allowing excess sugar to be excreted in urine. Canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin are commonly used.

7. Insulin: Essential for Type 1 diabetes and sometimes required for Type 2 diabetes, insulin is injected to regulate blood sugar levels.

8. Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors: These medications slow the absorption of carbohydrates from the digestive tract, helping control post-meal blood sugar spikes. Acarbose and miglitol are examples.