What You Need to Know About Type 2 Diabetes/Type 1 Diabetes Medication
March 24, 2023Despite their common name, the two types of diabetes are different conditions. Both types of diabetes are also treated differently. Read on to learn more about the different types of type 2 diabetes/type 1 diabetes medication.
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Despite having similar names, type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different conditions. While both are characterized by high levels of sugar in the bloodstream, type 1 is an autoimmune disorder, while type 2 is often the result of genetics and lifestyle factors.
Meanwhile, the bodies of people with type 2 diabetes do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, the pancreas eventually stops making enough insulin.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes share many symptoms. These include:
- Frequent urination
- Frequent thirst
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts that heal slowly
- Irritability and mood swings
- Changes in weight
- Numbness in the hands and feet
Proper management of diabetes may help reduce the severity and frequency of these symptoms. In this article, we discuss commonly prescribed diabetes medications and what factors doctors consider to determine the best type 2 diabetes/type 1 diabetes medication.
Commonly Prescribed Type 2 Diabetes/Type 1 Diabetes Medication
While different conditions, Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are managed similarly. Doctors typically prescribe a healthy diet, regular exercise and medication to keep blood sugar at a healthy level, ease symptoms and prevent complications.
Type 1 Diabetes Medication
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone that facilitates the movement of blood sugar from the bloodstream into other cells where it can be either stored or used as fuel. This lowers blood sugar levels. The pancreas is the organ responsible for producing insulin.
The primary treatment for people with type 1 diabetes is to take synthetic or animal-derived insulin every day. There are five types:
- Rapid-acting
- Short-acting
- Intermediate-acting insulin
- Mixed insulin
- Long-acting insulin
Insulin for type 1 diabetes can be administered via shots or an insulin pump.
Insulin injections via syringes or pens cost less than insulin pumps. Insulin pens are either disposable or meant to be thrown away after a single use or reusable. Syringes should only be used once,
If opting for injectable insulin, users have to be careful and precise when measuring, drawing and injecting the medication.
Meanwhile, insulin pumps are costlier but offer convenience. Instead of giving yourself shots several times a day, the insulin pump automatically administers the exact dosage you’ve been prescribed. However, you would need to place a catheter needle every two or three days.
The following are some examples of injectable insulin medications.
| Generic Name | Examples of Brand Names |
|---|---|
| Insulin lispro U-100/U-200 | Humalog® |
| Insulin U-100 | Lantus®, Basaglar® |
| Insulin glargine | Lantus® Solostar |
| Insulin degludec U-100/U-200 | Tresiba® |
Here are some examples of insulin pumps:
Type 2 Diabetes Medication
People with type 2 diabetes may need more than one medication to manage their condition. Apart from antidiabetics or blood sugar-lowering drugs, they may also need to take:
- Blood pressure medication
- Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) to prevent blood clots
- Statins to lower blood cholesterol levels
Rarely, persons with type 2 diabetes may also be prescribed insulin.
Antidiabetics
Insulin resistance, in which the body stops responding to insulin produced by the pancreas, is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. It occurs when the cells of the body stop responding to insulin, leading the pancreas to make more. Eventually, the pancreas’ production of insulin can no longer keep up with the body’s needs, and blood sugar levels rise even more.
Antidiabetic medications can help manage blood sugar levels in different ways. The following are some examples.
Biguanides
These work by preventing the liver from producing glucose and making the body more sensitive to insulin, Additionally, they help reduce the amount of sugar that the intestines absorb.
Metformin is the main type of biguanide prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is available in generic and name-brand forms, such as:
Sulfonylureas
This type of antidiabetic works by stimulating insulin production in the pancreas. Examples of sulfonylureas include:
| Generic Name | Examples of Brand Names |
|---|---|
| Glipizide | Glucotrol®, Glucotrol® XL |
| Chlorpropamide | Diabinese® |
| Glyburide | DiaBeta®, Glynase® |
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)
TZDs increase muscle and fat cells’ sensitivity to insulin, thus helping lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, they help slow down the liver’s production of glucose. The following are the two TZDs currently approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes.
| Generic Name | Examples of Brand Names |
|---|---|
| Rosiglitazone | Avandia® |
| Pioglitazone | Actos® |
Diabetes Supplies
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is critical for ensuring you avoid diabetes complications. Special equipment and supplies can help you with this.
Traditional Glucometer
A traditional glucometer is a small device that allows you to check your blood sugar levels at home. To use one, make sure your hands are clean, then put a test strip in the device. With a lancet, prick your finger, so you draw a drop of blood. Appy the test strip to the blood and wait for the glucometer to give you a reading.
A glucometer will tell you whether your blood sugar is too high, too low or just right.
To use traditional glucometers, you’ll need test strips as well. Most glucometer manufacturers produce test strips that are compatible with their products, such as:
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Meanwhile, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices allow you to continuously track your blood sugar levels. A notable example is the Freestyle Libre 2 system. It is a new type of glucometer that uses a sensor to monitor blood glucose. It does not require pricking the finger every time a glucose reading is needed, making it a good option for those who value convenience.
How Doctors Determine the Best Type 2 Diabetes/Type 1 Diabetes Medication
Many medications are available to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. When choosing among them, doctors consider several factors to ensure they prescribe the best medicine for type 2 diabetes/type 1 diabetes for the patient’s unique situation and health goals.
Factors that your doctor may consider include:
- The type of diabetes you have
- Your health
- Other conditions you may have
- Your age and weight
- How elevated your blood sugar levels are
- Potential risks or side effects
- The cost of medications
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Sources:
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000965.htm
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/13902-injectable-insulin-medications
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12070-oral-diabetes-medications
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/insulin-resistance.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351199