What are diabetes medications and insulin therapy?

If you have diabetes, you may need medication to manage your condition. In some cases, insulin therapy may be necessary. Here is what you need to know about diabetes medications and insulin therapy.

There are a variety of diabetes medications available. Some of these medications can help you manage your blood sugar levels, while others may help to lower your risk of complications. You and your doctor will work together to determine the best medication or combination of medications for you.

In some cases, insulin therapy may be necessary to manage your diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to process sugar. If your body does not make enough insulin, or if your body does not use insulin properly, you may need to take insulin injections.

There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2

In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin, which is needed to convert blood sugar (glucose) into energy. Insulin therapy is necessary to maintain normal blood sugar levels. 

In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells don’t respond properly to insulin. Many people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood sugar with diet, exercise, and weight loss. But, some people with type 2 diabetes still need to take diabetes medications or insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. 

Diabetes treatment

There are a variety of diabetes medications available. Some of the most common diabetes medications include: 

I- Insulin: 

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to control blood sugar levels. There are different types of insulin, including: 

1- Rapid-acting insulin: 

This type of insulin begins to work within 15 minutes and its effects last for about four to five hours. 

2- Short-acting insulin: 

This type of insulin begins to work within 30 minutes and its effects last for about five to eight hours. 

3- Intermediate-acting insulin: 

This type of insulin begins to work within two to four hours and its effects last for about 12 hours. 

4- Long-acting insulin: 

This type of insulin begins to work within four to eight hours and its effects last for about 24 hours. 

II- Oral diabetes medications: 

These medications help to control blood sugar levels by: 

Increasing the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas.