The Different Medications Used to Treat Diabetes

Summary: This article will discuss the different medications used to treat diabetes, their associated benefits, and some potential side effects.

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease in which the body cannot properly regulate the amount of sugar in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. The two main types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2 diabetes, each of which requires different treatments. Diabetes medications are designed to lower blood sugar levels in order to prevent complications such as stroke, heart attack, blindness, kidney damage, and other health problems associated with diabetes. There are a wide variety of diabetes medications available, such as oral tablets, insulin, and injectable drugs. This article will discuss the different medications used to treat diabetes, their associated benefits, and some potential side effects.

Oral Tablets

Oral tablets are one of the most common forms of diabetes medication. These tablets are taken orally, typically once or twice a day, and are designed to lower blood sugar levels. Common examples of oral tablets for treating diabetes include Metformin, Glipizide, and Glyburide. Metformin is the most commonly prescribed diabetes medication, and is used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It works by helping to increase the body's sensitivity to insulin, as well as by reducing the amount of sugar released from the liver. Glipizide and Glyburide are also oral medications, but are typically used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin, and therefore must take insulin injections in order to regulate their blood sugar. There are a variety of different insulin types, including rapid-acting, short-acting, and long-acting insulin. Rapid-acting insulin is usually taken before meals and is designed to act quickly in order to regulate blood sugar levels. Short-acting insulin is usually taken twice a day and is designed to last for a few hours. Long-acting insulin is taken once a day and is designed to last for up to 24 hours.

Injectable Drugs

Injectable drugs are another form of diabetes medication. These drugs are injected directly into the body, typically on a daily basis, and are designed to lower blood sugar levels. Common examples of injectable drugs for treating diabetes include Byetta, Victoza, and Symlin. Byetta is a type of injectable medication that works by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. Victoza is another type of injectable medication that works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. Symlin is an injectable drug that works by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates, which helps to reduce the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream.

Potential Side Effects

As with any medication, diabetes medications can have potential side effects. Common side effects associated with diabetes medications include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood sugar levels. Other, more serious side effects can occur, such as a risk of developing lactic acidosis with Metformin, an increased risk of weight gain with Glipizide, and an increased risk of kidney problems with Glyburide. It is important to talk to a doctor before starting any diabetes medication in order to ensure that the medication is safe for the individual patient.

In conclusion, diabetes medications are designed to help control blood sugar levels in order to prevent complications associated with diabetes. There are a variety of different medications available, such as oral tablets, insulin, and injectable drugs. Each of these medications has its own associated benefits and potential side effects, and it is important to talk to a doctor before starting any diabetes medication in order to make sure it is safe.