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What are the Different Types of Diabetes Drugs?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

There are a number of different types of diabetes drugs which may help to control blood sugar levels. The most common is insulin, which is usually injected and is effective at managing the condition. Oral pills are also sometimes used to help control blood sugar levels. In some cases, other forms of injected drugs may be employed instead of insulin. Aside from these diabetes drugs, the patient will often have to make lifestyle changes to help control the condition.

Of all the diabetes drugs, insulin is probably the most common. The drug is prescribed for both type 1 and 2 diabetes, although for different reasons. Those with type 1 diabetes need insulin because they are unable to create it naturally, and people with type 2 are unable to process and use insulin correctly.

Injecting insulin is the most popular way to treat diabetes available today.
Injecting insulin is the most popular way to treat diabetes available today.

There are many different types of insulin, so it’s essential that a patient is prescribed the correct type by the doctor. The different variants depend on the drug’s speed and duration. It can be injected or supplied through an insulin pump. The advantage of a pump is that it greatly simplifies the process of managing the disease, which is why the pump device is starting to be used by those diagnosed with type 2 as well as type 1 diabetes.

Oral medications which can reduce blood sugar are commonly prescribed to treat diabetes.
Oral medications which can reduce blood sugar are commonly prescribed to treat diabetes.

Oral medications which can reduce blood sugar levels are also commonly used. These drugs are usually taken in pill form and are often prescribed when conservative treatments such as weight loss and diet modification have not been effective. There are six different types of oral diabetes drugs, all of which work in a slightly different way. Like other diabetes drugs, it’s important that a patient receives the correct type of oral medicine prescription.

Treatment regimens for diabetics vary based on whether the disease is diagnosed as type 1 or type 2.
Treatment regimens for diabetics vary based on whether the disease is diagnosed as type 1 or type 2.

Aside from insulin, there are several other diabetes drugs which can be injected into the body. The first is pramlintide, which can be used to reduce blood sugar levels while at the same time allowing for weight loss. Pramlintide can be used by people with both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Exenatide is another injected drug and is currently only appropriate for people with type 2 diabetes.

Physicians advise that people over the age of 45 have diabetes screenings on a routine basis.
Physicians advise that people over the age of 45 have diabetes screenings on a routine basis.

Diabetes drugs are commonly used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. These modifications may include weight loss, avoiding certain foods, and being generally more aware of dietary health. Exercise is also essential in managing the condition. It’s crucial, however, for the patient to discuss lifestyle changes with the doctor to make sure that they will not interfere with any medication or other treatment methods.

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    • Injecting insulin is the most popular way to treat diabetes available today.
      By: jedi-master
      Injecting insulin is the most popular way to treat diabetes available today.
    • Oral medications which can reduce blood sugar are commonly prescribed to treat diabetes.
      By: 18percentgrey
      Oral medications which can reduce blood sugar are commonly prescribed to treat diabetes.
    • Treatment regimens for diabetics vary based on whether the disease is diagnosed as type 1 or type 2.
      By: brankatekic
      Treatment regimens for diabetics vary based on whether the disease is diagnosed as type 1 or type 2.
    • Physicians advise that people over the age of 45 have diabetes screenings on a routine basis.
      By: Monkey Business
      Physicians advise that people over the age of 45 have diabetes screenings on a routine basis.
    • Insulin from a pump or an injection lowers the blood glucose of the diabetic.
      By: hilleborg
      Insulin from a pump or an injection lowers the blood glucose of the diabetic.
    • No matter which medications they are prescribed, all diabetics are encouraged to test and track their blood sugar levels regularly.
      By: Bruce Robbins
      No matter which medications they are prescribed, all diabetics are encouraged to test and track their blood sugar levels regularly.