How Do Diabetes Injections Work to Treat Type 2 Diabetes?

Various treatment options are available to help manage sugar levels, including oral medications and injectable medications. Some medications, particularly injectable ones, may be preferred over others depending on different factors, such as whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes is being treated. In addition, the best treatment options will depend on a person’s overall condition and medical history.

Continue reading to learn more about how diabetes injections work, potential side effects and costs.

Types of Diabetes Injections

Managing blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of complications from diabetes, including nerve damage, kidney problems and vision issues. Diabetes injections may be prescribed alone or along with other medications. However, they can vary in how they work to manage blood sugar levels, dosages and potential side effects.

Insulin

Insulin injections are the most common form of diabetes treatment, particularly for people with type 1 diabetes. They help regulate blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter the cells, where it can be used as energy. Insulin comes in various forms with different action times.

Rapid-acting insulin, such as Humalog (insulin lispro) and NovoLog (insulin aspart), works quickly to control blood sugar spikes following meals. These insulins enter the bloodstream within 15 minutes of injection and peak around 30 minutes afterward, with effects lasting up to 3 to 5 hours.

Short-acting insulin, or regular insulin, starts working within around 30 minutes, peaks around 90 to 120 minutes and lasts for 6 to 8 hours. Intermediate-acting insulins, such as NPH, fall between rapid- and long-acting types, offering a balance of quick action and extended coverage.

Long-acting insulins, like Lantus (insulin glargine), Levemir (insulin detemir) and Tresiba (insulin degludec), provide a steady amount of insulin throughout the day, helping to maintain consistent blood sugar levels. The onset time and duration of these insulins vary, usually lasting between 12 and 24 hours.

GLP-1 Agonists

GLP-1 agonists are injectable medications mainly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates glucose levels by stimulating insulin release and slowing gastric emptying, which in turn reduces post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Some common examples of GLP-1 agonists are Byetta (exenatide), Victoza (liraglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide). These medications are typically administered as injections once or twice daily or even weekly, depending on the specific drug and dosing requirements. GLP-1 agonists can be used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as metformin or basal insulin.

Amylin Analogs

Amylin analogs are another class of injectable medications for diabetes management. These drugs mimic the actions of amylin, a hormone released by the pancreas that helps control blood sugar levels by slowing gastric emptying and suppressing glucagon secretion.

Pramlintide (Symlin) is currently the only available amylin analog, approved for use in combination with insulin in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who have not achieved adequate glycemic control. Pramlintide is taken as an injection before meals and dosing may need to be adjusted based on individual needs and blood sugar levels.

Things to Keep In Mind

It’s important to keep some things in mind while using diabetes injections. For example, you should wash their hands thoroughly and clean the injection site with alcohol wipes. Rotating injection sites is equally important, as it minimizes the risk of developing lipodystrophy or scar tissue buildup. You can alternate between the abdomen, upper arm and thigh to promote better insulin absorption and reduce the risk of complications.

Proper storage and disposal of injectable medications can also help with maintaining their effectiveness and safety. Insulin, for example, should be kept in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Potential Side Effects

When considering diabetes injections, it is crucial to understand the potential side effects. Diabetes medications vary in their formulation and usage; however, some common side effects may occur with these treatments. A few of the most prevalent side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Low blood sugar
• Weight gain

Side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation are generally mild and manageable. However, you may want to monitor these symptoms and communicate with a healthcare professional if they persist or worsen.

Inside Rx Is Here to Help

The price of diabetes injections can vary based on several factors, including the specific medication, dosage and insurance coverage. You may find yourself facing high out-of-pocket costs, even with insurance, due to copays, deductibles and other related expenses. Those without insurance coverage may have to pay the full retail price of their medications.

Fortunately, Inside Rx offers a valuable savings option for those seeking help with the cost of their diabetes injections. A prescription discount card from Inside Rx may help individuals save up to 80% on the retail price of their medications, including brand and generic medications. By taking advantage of the available discounts, you may be able to reduce the financial burden of your treatments.