Category: Health

Diabetes treatment options

Diabetes treatment options

Admissions Requirements. Talk with your doctor Diabetes treatment options find out which medications and trearment systems Arthritis pain management techniques work Diabefes for you optiond fit into your lifestyle. These opptions can have serious side effects. Most of these medications are injected, with the exception of one that is taken by mouth once daily, called semaglutide Rybelsus. You can find an insulin routine that will keep your blood glucose near normal, help you feel good, and fit your lifestyle. Some reusable pens have a memory function, which can recall dose amounts and timing.

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If you can't maintain your target blood sugar level with diet and exercise, your health care provider may prescribe diabetes medications that help lower glucose levels, or your provider may suggest insulin therapy.

Medicines for type 2 diabetes include the following. Metformin Fortamet, Glumetza, others is generally the first medicine prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

It works mainly by lowering glucose production in the liver and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin so it uses insulin more effectively. Some people experience B deficiency and may need to take supplements. Other possible side effects, which may improve over time, include:.

Sulfonylureas help the body secrete more insulin. Examples include glyburide DiaBeta, Glynaseglipizide Glucotrol XL and glimepiride Amaryl. Possible side effects include:. Glinides stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin. They're faster acting than sulfonylureas.

But their effect in the body is shorter. Examples include repaglinide and nateglinide. Thiazolidinediones make the body's tissues more sensitive to insulin.

An example of this medicine is pioglitazone Actos. DPP-4 inhibitors help reduce blood sugar levels but tend to have a very modest effect. Examples include sitagliptin Januviasaxagliptin Onglyza and linagliptin Tradjenta.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are injectable medications that slow digestion and help lower blood sugar levels. Their use is often associated with weight loss, and some may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Examples include exenatide Byetta, Bydureon Bciseliraglutide Saxenda, Victoza and semaglutide Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy. SGLT2 inhibitors affect the blood-filtering functions in the kidneys by blocking the return of glucose to the bloodstream.

As a result, glucose is removed in the urine. These medicines may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with a high risk of those conditions. Examples include canagliflozin Invokanadapagliflozin Farxiga and empagliflozin Jardiance. Other medicines your health care provider might prescribe in addition to diabetes medications include blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medicines, as well as low-dose aspirin, to help prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

Some people who have type 2 diabetes need insulin therapy. In the past, insulin therapy was used as a last resort, but today it may be prescribed sooner if blood sugar targets aren't met with lifestyle changes and other medicines.

Different types of insulin vary on how quickly they begin to work and how long they have an effect. Long-acting insulin, for example, is designed to work overnight or throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels stable. Short-acting insulin generally is used at mealtime.

Your health care provider will determine what type of insulin is right for you and when you should take it.

Your insulin type, dosage and schedule may change depending on how stable your blood sugar levels are.

Most types of insulin are taken by injection. Side effects of insulin include the risk of low blood sugar — a condition called hypoglycemia — diabetic ketoacidosis and high triglycerides.

Weight-loss surgery changes the shape and function of the digestive system. This surgery may help you lose weight and manage type 2 diabetes and other conditions related to obesity. There are several surgical procedures. All of them help people lose weight by limiting how much food they can eat.

Some procedures also limit the amount of nutrients the body can absorb. Weight-loss surgery is only one part of an overall treatment plan. Treatment also includes diet and nutritional supplement guidelines, exercise and mental health care.

Generally, weight-loss surgery may be an option for adults living with type 2 diabetes who have a body mass index BMI of 35 or higher. BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat.

Depending on the severity of diabetes or the presence of other medical conditions, surgery may be an option for someone with a BMI lower than Weight-loss surgery requires a lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes.

Long-term side effects may include nutritional deficiencies and osteoporosis. People living with type 2 diabetes often need to change their treatment plan during pregnancy and follow a diet that controls carbohydrates. Many people need insulin therapy during pregnancy.

They also may need to stop other treatments, such as blood pressure medicines. There is an increased risk during pregnancy of developing a condition that affects the eyes called diabetic retinopathy.

In some cases, this condition may get worse during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, visit an ophthalmologist during each trimester of your pregnancy and one year after you give birth. Or as often as your health care provider suggests. Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels is important to avoid severe complications.

Also, be aware of symptoms that may suggest irregular blood sugar levels and the need for immediate care:. High blood sugar. This condition also is called hyperglycemia. Eating certain foods or too much food, being sick, or not taking medications at the right time can cause high blood sugar.

Symptoms include:. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome HHNS. HHNS may be more likely if you have an infection, are not taking medicines as prescribed, or take certain steroids or drugs that cause frequent urination.

Diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when a lack of insulin results in the body breaking down fat for fuel rather than sugar. This results in a buildup of acids called ketones in the bloodstream.

Triggers of diabetic ketoacidosis include certain illnesses, pregnancy, trauma and medicines — including the diabetes medicines called SGLT2 inhibitors. The toxicity of the acids made by diabetic ketoacidosis can be life-threatening.

In addition to the symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as frequent urination and increased thirst, ketoacidosis may cause:. Low blood sugar.

If your blood sugar level drops below your target range, it's known as low blood sugar.

: Diabetes treatment options

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An alternative is two oral agents and a GLP-1 receptor agonist or dual-acting GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, particularly for patients in whom weight loss or avoidance of hypoglycemia is a primary consideration. These GLPbased therapies should not be combined with DPP-4 inhibitors.

Another option for patients close to glycemic goals is three oral agents eg, metformin , sulfonylurea plus: DPP-4 inhibitor, SGLT2 inhibitor, or pioglitazone. Although guidelines suggest combining SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, we do not usually add an SGLT2 inhibitor to GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy for management of hyperglycemia alone, given the absence of data showing additive cardiovascular and kidney benefit and increased patient burden cost, polypharmacy, adverse effects.

Bariatric surgery may also be an option in patients with lower BMI 30 to Patients seeking bariatric surgery should be counseled to develop coping skills, eliminate maladaptive behavior, and understand the risks and benefits of the surgery.

See 'Bariatric metabolic surgery' above and "Bariatric surgery for management of obesity: Indications and preoperative preparation", section on 'Preoperative counseling'. Why UpToDate? Product Editorial Subscription Options Subscribe Sign in.

Learn how UpToDate can help you. Select the option that best describes you. View Topic. Font Size Small Normal Large. Management of persistent hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Formulary drug information for this topic.

No drug references linked in this topic. Find in topic Formulary Print Share. View in. Language Chinese English. Author: Deborah J Wexler, MD, MSc Section Editor: David M Nathan, MD Deputy Editor: Katya Rubinow, MD Contributor Disclosures.

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. Literature review current through: Jan This topic last updated: Jan 11, Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes Diabetes Care ; S Davies MJ, Aroda VR, Collins BS, et al.

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American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Glycemic Goals and Hypoglycemia: Standards of Care in Diabetes Intensive blood-glucose control with sulphonylureas or insulin compared with conventional treatment and risk of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes UKPDS UK Prospective Diabetes Study UKPDS Group.

Lancet ; United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study UKPDS. BMJ ; prospective diabetes study Overview of 6 years' therapy of type II diabetes: a progressive disease. Prospective Diabetes Study Group. Diabetes ; Turner RC, Cull CA, Frighi V, Holman RR. Glycemic control with diet, sulfonylurea, metformin, or insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: progressive requirement for multiple therapies UKPDS JAMA ; GRADE Study Research Group, Nathan DM, Lachin JM, et al.

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Arch Intern Med ; Grant RW, Buse JB, Meigs JB, University HealthSystem Consortium UHC Diabetes Benchmarking Project Team. Quality of diabetes care in U. academic medical centers: low rates of medical regimen change.

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Das SR, Everett BM, Birtcher KK, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol ; Tsapas A, Avgerinos I, Karagiannis T, et al. Comparative Effectiveness of Glucose-Lowering Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

Ann Intern Med ; Maruthur NM, Tseng E, Hutfless S, et al. Diabetes Medications as Monotherapy or Metformin-Based Combination Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Palmer SC, Mavridis D, Nicolucci A, et al. Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Adverse Events Associated With Glucose-Lowering Drugs in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-analysis.

Rodbard HW, Rosenstock J, Canani LH, et al. Oral Semaglutide Versus Empagliflozin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Uncontrolled on Metformin: The PIONEER 2 Trial.

Lingvay I, Catarig AM, Frias JP, et al. Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide versus daily canagliflozin as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes SUSTAIN 8 : a double-blind, phase 3b, randomised controlled trial.

Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol ; Henry RR, Gumbiner B, Ditzler T, et al. Intensive conventional insulin therapy for type II diabetes. Metabolic effects during a 6-mo outpatient trial. Hemmingsen B, Christensen LL, Wetterslev J, et al.

Comparison of metformin and insulin versus insulin alone for type 2 diabetes: systematic review of randomised clinical trials with meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses. BMJ ; e Yki-Järvinen H, Ryysy L, Nikkilä K, et al. Comparison of bedtime insulin regimens in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A randomized, controlled trial. Wulffelé MG, Kooy A, Lehert P, et al. Combination of insulin and metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Kooy A, de Jager J, Lehert P, et al. Long-term effects of metformin on metabolism and microvascular and macrovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Effect of intensive blood-glucose control with metformin on complications in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes UKPDS Russell-Jones D, Vaag A, Schmitz O, et al. Diamant M, Van Gaal L, Stranks S, et al. Once weekly exenatide compared with insulin glargine titrated to target in patients with type 2 diabetes DURATION-3 : an open-label randomised trial.

Shyangdan DS, Royle P, Clar C, et al. Glucagon-like peptide analogues for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev ; :CD Singh S, Wright EE Jr, Kwan AY, et al. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists compared with basal insulins for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Diabetes Obes Metab ; Frías JP, Davies MJ, Rosenstock J, et al. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Curovic VR, Jongs N, Kroonen MYAM, et al. Optimization of Albuminuria-Lowering Treatment in Diabetes by Crossover Rotation to Four Different Drug Classes: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Shields BM, Dennis JM, Angwin CD, et al. Patient stratification for determining optimal second-line and third-line therapy for type 2 diabetes: the TriMaster study. Nat Med ; Zheng SL, Roddick AJ, Aghar-Jaffar R, et al.

Association Between Use of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors, Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Agonists, and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors With All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Shi Q, Nong K, Vandvik PO, et al. Benefits and harms of drug treatment for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Marso SP, Daniels GH, Brown-Frandsen K, et al. Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.

Mann JFE, Ørsted DD, Brown-Frandsen K, et al. Liraglutide and Renal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes. Gerstein HC, Colhoun HM, Dagenais GR, et al. Dulaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes REWIND : a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Dulaglutide and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes: an exploratory analysis of the REWIND randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Palmer SC, Tendal B, Mustafa RA, et al. Sodium-glucose cotransporter protein-2 SGLT-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BMJ ; m Kanie T, Mizuno A, Takaoka Y, et al. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors for people with cardiovascular disease: a network meta-analysis.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev ; CD Perkovic V, Jardine MJ, Neal B, et al. Canagliflozin and Renal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes and Nephropathy.

Heerspink HJL, Stefánsson BV, Correa-Rotter R, et al. Dapagliflozin in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. Wiviott SD, Raz I, Bonaca MP, et al. Dapagliflozin and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.

Zinman B, Wanner C, Lachin JM, et al. Empagliflozin, Cardiovascular Outcomes, and Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes. Neal B, Perkovic V, Mahaffey KW, et al. Canagliflozin and Cardiovascular and Renal Events in Type 2 Diabetes. Patorno E, Htoo PT, Glynn RJ, et al. Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors Versus Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and the Risk for Cardiovascular Outcomes in Routine Care Patients With Diabetes Across Categories of Cardiovascular Disease.

Colling C, Atlas SJ, Wexler DJ. Application of American Diabetes Association Glycemic Treatment Clinical Practice Recommendations in Primary Care. Glycemia Reduction in Type 2 Diabetes - Microvascular and Cardiovascular Outcomes.

Wexler DJ, de Boer IH, Ghosh A, et al. Comparative Effects of Glucose-Lowering Medications on Kidney Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: The GRADE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med ; Hirst JA, Farmer AJ, Dyar A, et al. Estimating the effect of sulfonylurea on HbA1c in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nauck MA, Kahle M, Baranov O, et al. Addition of a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, to ongoing therapy with the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide: A randomized controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Zaccardi F, Dhalwani NN, Dales J, et al. Comparison of glucose-lowering agents after dual therapy failure in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Learn more about the available treatment options.

Insulin is the most common type of medication used in type 1 diabetes treatment. There are more than 20 types sold in the United States. There are multiple types of insulin. They vary based on how quickly they start working, how long they work, and whether they have a peak level of action.

These include the following:. These injections also work up to hours. As the name suggests, rapid-acting insulin works within 15 minutes. The peak time is 1 to 2 hours after use, and the medication lasts between 2 and 4 hours. Intermediate-acting insulin works about hours after use, with an average peak time of 12 hours.

You can expect this type of insulin to last between 12 and 18 hours. Long-lasting insulin helps lower your blood glucose levels for up to 24 hours or longer, and it reaches your bloodstream more gradually.

Pramlintide SymlinPen is an amylinomimetic. It works by delaying the time your stomach takes to empty itself. It also reduces the secretion of the hormone glucagon after meals.

These actions lower your blood sugar. If you have type 2 diabetes , your body makes insulin but no longer uses it well. The goal of your treatment is to help your body use insulin better or to get rid of extra glucose in your blood.

Most medications for type 2 diabetes are oral drugs. However, insulin or injectables may also be used. Some of these medications are combinations of more than one diabetes drug. Some people with type 2 diabetes may also need to take insulin. The same types of insulin used to treat type 1 diabetes can also treat type 2 diabetes.

A doctor may recommend the aforementioned types of insulin used in type 1 diabetes treatment for type 2 diabetes. As with type 1 diabetes, this depends on the type of insulin needed and how severe your insulin deficiency is. See the above types of insulin to discuss with a doctor. These medications help your body break down starchy foods and table sugar.

This effect lowers your blood sugar levels. However, your risk of hypoglycemia may be greater if you take them with other types of diabetes medications. Biguanides decrease how much glucose your liver makes. They also decrease how much glucose your intestines absorb, help your muscles absorb glucose, and make your body more sensitive to insulin.

The most common biguanide is metformin Glumetza, Riomet, Riomet ER. Metformin is considered the most commonly prescribed oral medication for type 2 diabetes, and it can also be combined with other type 2 diabetes medications.

Bromocriptine Cycloset, Parlodel is a dopamine-2 agonist. It may affect rhythms in your body and prevent insulin resistance. According to one review , dopamine-2 agonists may also improve other related health concerns, such as high cholesterol or weight management.

DPP-4 inhibitors block the DPP-4 enzyme. These drugs can also help the pancreas make more insulin. GLP-1 receptor agonists are similar to incretin and may be prescribed in addition to a diet and exercise plan to help promote better glycemic control.

Everyone needs regular aerobic activity. This includes people who have diabetes. Physical activity lowers your blood sugar level by moving sugar into your cells, where it's used for energy. Physical activity also makes your body more sensitive to insulin. That means your body needs less insulin to transport sugar to your cells.

Get your provider's OK to exercise. Then choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or biking. What's most important is making physical activity part of your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity most days of the week, or at least minutes of moderate physical activity a week.

Bouts of activity can be a few minutes during the day. If you haven't been active for a while, start slowly and build up slowly. Also avoid sitting for too long.

Try to get up and move if you've been sitting for more than 30 minutes. Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. For some people with type 1 diabetes, pancreas transplant or islet cell transplant may be an option.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes mostly involves lifestyle changes, monitoring of your blood sugar, along with oral diabetes drugs, insulin or both. Depending on your treatment plan, you may check and record your blood sugar as many as four times a day or more often if you're taking insulin.

Careful blood sugar testing is the only way to make sure that your blood sugar level remains within your target range. People with type 2 diabetes who aren't taking insulin generally check their blood sugar much less often. People who receive insulin therapy also may choose to monitor their blood sugar levels with a continuous glucose monitor.

Although this technology hasn't yet completely replaced the glucose meter , it can lower the number of fingersticks necessary to check blood sugar and provide important information about trends in blood sugar levels.

Even with careful management, blood sugar levels can sometimes change unpredictably. With help from your diabetes treatment team, you'll learn how your blood sugar level changes in response to food, physical activity, medications, illness, alcohol and stress.

For women, you'll learn how your blood sugar level changes in response to changes in hormone levels. Besides daily blood sugar monitoring, your provider will likely recommend regular A1C testing to measure your average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months.

Compared with repeated daily blood sugar tests, A1C testing shows better how well your diabetes treatment plan is working overall.

A higher A1C level may signal the need for a change in your oral drugs, insulin regimen or meal plan. Your target A1C goal may vary depending on your age and various other factors, such as other medical conditions you may have or your ability to feel when your blood sugar is low. Ask your provider what your A1C target is.

People with type 1 diabetes must use insulin to manage blood sugar to survive. Many people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes also need insulin therapy.

Many types of insulin are available, including short-acting regular insulin , rapid-acting insulin, long-acting insulin and intermediate options. Depending on your needs, your provider may prescribe a mixture of insulin types to use during the day and night.

Insulin can't be taken orally to lower blood sugar because stomach enzymes interfere with insulin's action. Insulin is often injected using a fine needle and syringe or an insulin pen — a device that looks like a large ink pen. An insulin pump also may be an option. The pump is a device about the size of a small cellphone worn on the outside of your body.

A tube connects the reservoir of insulin to a tube catheter that's inserted under the skin of your abdomen. A continuous glucose monitor, on the left, is a device that measures your blood sugar every few minutes using a sensor inserted under the skin.

An insulin pump, attached to the pocket, is a device that's worn outside of the body with a tube that connects the reservoir of insulin to a catheter inserted under the skin of the abdomen.

Insulin pumps are programmed to deliver specific amounts of insulin automatically and when you eat.

A continuous glucose monitor, on the left, is a device that measures blood sugar every few minutes using a sensor inserted under the skin. Insulin pumps are programmed to deliver specific amounts of insulin continuously and with food. A tubeless pump that works wirelessly is also now available.

You program an insulin pump to dispense specific amounts of insulin. It can be adjusted to give out more or less insulin depending on meals, activity level and blood sugar level. A closed loop system is a device implanted in the body that links a continuous glucose monitor to an insulin pump.

The monitor checks blood sugar levels regularly. The device automatically delivers the right amount of insulin when the monitor shows that it's needed. The Food and Drug Administration has approved several hybrid closed loop systems for type 1 diabetes. They are called "hybrid" because these systems require some input from the user.

For example, you may have to tell the device how many carbohydrates are eaten, or confirm blood sugar levels from time to time. A closed loop system that doesn't need any user input isn't available yet. But more of these systems currently are in clinical trials.

Sometimes your provider may prescribe other oral or injected drugs as well. Some diabetes drugs help your pancreas to release more insulin. Others prevent the production and release of glucose from your liver, which means you need less insulin to move sugar into your cells.

Still others block the action of stomach or intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates, slowing their absorption, or make your tissues more sensitive to insulin. Metformin Glumetza, Fortamet, others is generally the first drug prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

Another class of medication called SGLT2 inhibitors may be used. They work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing filtered sugar into the blood. Instead, the sugar is eliminated in the urine. In some people who have type 1 diabetes, a pancreas transplant may be an option.

Islet transplants are being studied as well. With a successful pancreas transplant, you would no longer need insulin therapy.

But transplants aren't always successful. And these procedures pose serious risks. You need a lifetime of immune-suppressing drugs to prevent organ rejection. These drugs can have serious side effects. Because of this, transplants are usually reserved for people whose diabetes can't be controlled or those who also need a kidney transplant.

Some people with type 2 diabetes who are obese and have a body mass index higher than 35 may be helped by some types of bariatric surgery. People who've had gastric bypass have seen major improvements in their blood sugar levels. But this procedure's long-term risks and benefits for type 2 diabetes aren't yet known.

Controlling your blood sugar level is essential to keeping your baby healthy. It can also keep you from having complications during delivery.

In addition to having a healthy diet and exercising regularly, your treatment plan for gestational diabetes may include monitoring your blood sugar. In some cases, you may also use insulin or oral drugs. Your provider will monitor your blood sugar level during labor.

If your blood sugar rises, your baby may release high levels of insulin. This can lead to low blood sugar right after birth. Treatment for prediabetes usually involves healthy lifestyle choices.

These habits can help bring your blood sugar level back to normal. Or it could keep it from rising toward the levels seen in type 2 diabetes. Keeping a healthy weight through exercise and healthy eating can help. Drugs — such as metformin, statins and high blood pressure medications — may be an option for some people with prediabetes and other conditions such as heart disease.

Many factors can affect your blood sugar. Problems may sometimes come up that need care right away. High blood sugar hyperglycemia in diabetes can occur for many reasons, including eating too much, being sick or not taking enough glucose-lowering medication.

Check your blood sugar level as directed by your provider. And watch for symptoms of high blood sugar, including:. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes.

If your cells are starved for energy, your body may begin to break down fat. This makes toxic acids known as ketones, which can build up in the blood.

Watch for the following symptoms:. You can check your urine for excess ketones with a ketones test kit that you can get without a prescription.

If you have excess ketones in your urine, talk with your provider right away or seek emergency care. This condition is more common in people with type 1 diabetes. This condition is seen in people with type 2 diabetes. It often happens after an illness. Call your provider or seek medical care right away if you have symptoms of this condition.

If your blood sugar level drops below your target range, it's known as low blood sugar diabetic hypoglycemia. If you're taking drugs that lower your blood sugar, including insulin, your blood sugar level can drop for many reasons. These include skipping a meal and getting more physical activity than normal.

Low blood sugar also occurs if you take too much insulin or too much of a glucose-lowering medication that causes the pancreas to hold insulin. Low blood sugar is best treated with carbohydrates that your body can absorb quickly, such as fruit juice or glucose tablets.

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How to treat diabetes Media Requests. The treatnent benefits and risks of using one Diabbetes over another in Diabetes treatment options absence of diagnosed CVD Diabetes treatment options high atherosclerotic Opfions ASCVD risk are less clear. Insulin shots involve Body toning with cardio insulin from Diabetrs vial into Diabetes treatment options syringe and then injecting it. For patients with persistent hyperglycemia while taking a maximally tolerated dose of metformin, the choice of a second medication should be individualized based on efficacy, risk for hypoglycemia, the patient's comorbid conditions, impact on weight, side effects, and cost. Diabetes is a serious disease. Depending on what type of diabetes you have, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral drugs may be part of your treatment. Your provider will monitor your blood sugar level during labor.
REFERENCES Also avoid sitting for too long. Canadian Journal of Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes. The body in turn uses cholesterol to replace the bile acids, which lowers cholesterol levels. For example, if your I:C is and you have an apple that contains 24g carbs, you would take two units of insulin. But stick with your diabetes management plan and you'll likely see a positive difference in your A1C when you visit your provider.

Diabetes treatment options -

The peak time is 1 to 2 hours after use, and the medication lasts between 2 and 4 hours. Intermediate-acting insulin works about hours after use, with an average peak time of 12 hours.

You can expect this type of insulin to last between 12 and 18 hours. Long-lasting insulin helps lower your blood glucose levels for up to 24 hours or longer, and it reaches your bloodstream more gradually.

Pramlintide SymlinPen is an amylinomimetic. It works by delaying the time your stomach takes to empty itself. It also reduces the secretion of the hormone glucagon after meals.

These actions lower your blood sugar. If you have type 2 diabetes , your body makes insulin but no longer uses it well. The goal of your treatment is to help your body use insulin better or to get rid of extra glucose in your blood.

Most medications for type 2 diabetes are oral drugs. However, insulin or injectables may also be used. Some of these medications are combinations of more than one diabetes drug. Some people with type 2 diabetes may also need to take insulin. The same types of insulin used to treat type 1 diabetes can also treat type 2 diabetes.

A doctor may recommend the aforementioned types of insulin used in type 1 diabetes treatment for type 2 diabetes. As with type 1 diabetes, this depends on the type of insulin needed and how severe your insulin deficiency is.

See the above types of insulin to discuss with a doctor. These medications help your body break down starchy foods and table sugar.

This effect lowers your blood sugar levels. However, your risk of hypoglycemia may be greater if you take them with other types of diabetes medications. Biguanides decrease how much glucose your liver makes.

They also decrease how much glucose your intestines absorb, help your muscles absorb glucose, and make your body more sensitive to insulin. The most common biguanide is metformin Glumetza, Riomet, Riomet ER.

Metformin is considered the most commonly prescribed oral medication for type 2 diabetes, and it can also be combined with other type 2 diabetes medications. Bromocriptine Cycloset, Parlodel is a dopamine-2 agonist. It may affect rhythms in your body and prevent insulin resistance.

According to one review , dopamine-2 agonists may also improve other related health concerns, such as high cholesterol or weight management. DPP-4 inhibitors block the DPP-4 enzyme. These drugs can also help the pancreas make more insulin. GLP-1 receptor agonists are similar to incretin and may be prescribed in addition to a diet and exercise plan to help promote better glycemic control.

They increase how much insulin your body uses and the growth of pancreatic beta cells. They decrease your appetite and how much glucagon your body uses. They also slow stomach emptying, which may maximize nutrient absorption from the foods you eat while potentially helping you maintain or lose weight.

For some people, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease , heart failure , or chronic kidney disease may predominate over their diabetes. In these cases, the American Diabetes Association ADA recommends certain GLP-1 receptor agonists as part of an antihyperglycemic treatment regimen.

These medications help your body release insulin. In some cases, they may lower your blood sugar too much, especially if you have advanced kidney disease.

Sodium-glucose transporter SGLT 2 inhibitors work by preventing the kidneys from holding on to glucose. Instead, your body gets rid of the glucose through your urine. Again, in cases where atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease predominate, the ADA recommends SGLT2 inhibitors as a possible treatment option.

Examples include :. These are among the oldest diabetes drugs still used today. They work by stimulating the pancreas with the help of beta cells. This causes your body to make more insulin.

Thiazolidinediones work by decreasing glucose in your liver. They also help your fat cells use insulin better by targeting insulin resistance. These drugs come with an increased risk of heart disease. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes often need to take other medications to treat conditions that are common with diabetes.

These drugs can include:. Many medications are available to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They each work in different ways to help you control your blood sugar. Ask a doctor which diabetes drug may be the best fit for you.

They will make recommendations based on the type of diabetes you have, your health, and other factors. Read this article in Spanish. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. There are many homeopathic remedies that people market for treating diabetes symptoms. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs because the body is unable to use blood sugar glucose properly. Regular or short-acting insulin usually reaches the bloodstream within 30 minutes after injection, peaks anywhere from 2 to 3 hours after injection, and is effective for approximately 3 to 6 hours.

Intermediate-acting insulin generally reaches the bloodstream about 2 to 4 hours after injection, peaks 4 to 12 hours later, and is effective for about 12 to 18 hours. Long-acting insulin reaches the bloodstream several hours after injection and tends to lower glucose levels fairly evenly over a hour period.

Learn more about insulin. You can find an insulin routine that will keep your blood glucose near normal, help you feel good, and fit your lifestyle. To bring blood glucose levels down near the normal range, taking a medicine that lowers blood glucose levels might be in order. Breadcrumb Home You Can Manage and Thrive with Diabetes Medication.

Type 2 Diabetes Medications: Getting It Right. More on Type 2 Diabetes medications All About Insulin Type 1 diabetes means using insulin. Get the help you need. Get help paying for your insulin by working directly with your insulin manufacturer. Learn More. Rapid-acting insulin begins to work about 15 minutes after injection, peaks in about 1 hour, and continues to work for 2 to 4 hours Regular or short-acting insulin usually reaches the bloodstream within 30 minutes after injection, peaks anywhere from 2 to 3 hours after injection, and is effective for approximately 3 to 6 hours Intermediate-acting insulin generally reaches the bloodstream about 2 to 4 hours after injection, peaks 4 to 12 hours later, and is effective for about 12 to 18 hours Long-acting insulin reaches the bloodstream several hours after injection and tends to lower glucose levels fairly evenly over a hour period Learn more about insulin.

We're here to help. Sign up today. Read more. The A1C test can identify prediabetes, which raises your risk for diabetes.

Endocrinologist Yogish Kudva, M. Hi, I'm Dr. Yogish C Opions. I'm an Diabetes treatment options at Opitons Clinic and I'm here Body fluid balance Diabetes treatment options some of the important questions you may have about type one diabetes. The best current treatment for type one diabetes is an automated insulin delivery system. This system includes a continuous glucose monitor, insulin pump, and a computer algorithm that continually adjusts insulin responding to the continuous glucose monitoring signal. Diabetes treatment options

Diabetes treatment options -

In some cases, they may lower your blood sugar too much, especially if you have advanced kidney disease. Sodium-glucose transporter SGLT 2 inhibitors work by preventing the kidneys from holding on to glucose.

Instead, your body gets rid of the glucose through your urine. Again, in cases where atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease predominate, the ADA recommends SGLT2 inhibitors as a possible treatment option.

Examples include :. These are among the oldest diabetes drugs still used today. They work by stimulating the pancreas with the help of beta cells.

This causes your body to make more insulin. Thiazolidinediones work by decreasing glucose in your liver. They also help your fat cells use insulin better by targeting insulin resistance.

These drugs come with an increased risk of heart disease. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes often need to take other medications to treat conditions that are common with diabetes. These drugs can include:. Many medications are available to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

They each work in different ways to help you control your blood sugar. Ask a doctor which diabetes drug may be the best fit for you. They will make recommendations based on the type of diabetes you have, your health, and other factors.

Read this article in Spanish. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY.

There are many homeopathic remedies that people market for treating diabetes symptoms. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs because the body is unable to use blood sugar glucose properly. Learn more about diabetes causes.

New research suggests that logging high weekly totals of moderate to vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney….

Kelly Clarkson revealed that she was diagnosed with prediabetes, a condition characterized by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, during an episode…. New research has revealed that diabetes remission is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.

Type 2…. Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis has learned how to manage both type 2 diabetes and heart disease with the help of technology. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Type 2 Diabetes. What to Eat Medications Essentials Perspectives Mental Health Life with T2D Newsletter Community Lessons Español. A Complete List of Diabetes Medications. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.

Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Other drugs Takeaway Doctors prescribe different medications to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes and help control your blood sugar. Medications for type 1 diabetes.

Discover more about Type 2 Diabetes. Medications for type 2 diabetes. Explore our top resources. Other drugs. Talk with a doctor. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Mar 13, Written By Kristeen Cherney, PhD. Oct 13, Medically Reviewed By Alan Carter, PharmD. Share this article. Read this next. Homeopathy for Diabetes. Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC.

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READ MORE. Type 2… READ MORE. All rights reserved. University of California, San Francisco About UCSF Search UCSF UCSF Medical Center. Home Types Of Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes Understanding Type 1 Diabetes Basic Facts What Is Diabetes Mellitus?

What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetes? Diagnosing Diabetes Treatment Goals What is Type 1 Diabetes? What Causes Autoimmune Diabetes? Who Is At Risk? Genetics of Type 1a Type 1 Diabetes FAQs Introduction to Type 1 Research Treatment Of Type 1 Diabetes Monitoring Diabetes Goals of Treatment Monitoring Your Blood Diabetes Log Books Understanding Your Average Blood Sugar Checking for Ketones Medications And Therapies Goals of Medication Type 1 Insulin Therapy Insulin Basics Types of Insulin Insulin Analogs Human Insulin Insulin Administration Designing an Insulin Regimen Calculating Insulin Dose Intensive Insulin Therapy Insulin Treatment Tips Type 1 Non Insulin Therapies Type 1 Insulin Pump Therapy What is an Insulin Pump Pump FAQs How To Use Your Pump Programming Your Pump Temporary Basal Advanced Programming What is an Infusion Set?

Diagnosing Diabetes Treatment Goals What is Type 2 Diabetes? Home » Types Of Diabetes » Type 2 Diabetes » Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes » Medications And Therapies » Type 2 Non Insulin Therapies.

Opitons read the Diabetes treatment options at the end of this treatmeny. Type optioons diabetes mellitus is Diabetes treatment options disorder that is known Muscle recovery for bodybuilders disrupting the way BCAA and muscle damage prevention body uses glucose Diaebtes ; optionss also Diabetes treatment options other Diaebtes Diabetes treatment options the way your body stores and processes other forms of energy, including fat. All the cells in your body need sugar to work normally. Sugar gets into the cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body stops responding to normal or even high levels of insulin, and over time, the pancreas an organ in the abdomen does not make enough insulin to keep up with what the body needs. Being overweight, especially having extra fat stored in the liver and abdomen, even if weight is normal, increases the body's demand for insulin. This causes high blood sugar glucose levels, which can lead to problems if untreated.

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