Diabetes Medication

In addition to lifestyle changes, eating healthy and exercising, you may need insulin or other diabetes medication to help manage your blood sugar (glucose) levels. 

Managing diabetes is a team effort. At Banner Health, we are here to support you every step of the way. Find out more about the different medications used to treat diabetes and discover how they work to support your health.

What medicines might I take for diabetes?

There are several different diabetes medications available, all of which work in different ways. Your health care provider can help you find a medication that works best for you based on your:

• Type of diabetes
• Blood sugar levels
• Lifestyle 
• Other health problems (obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease, etc.)
• Insurance coverage
• Potential side effects
• Personal preference

Here are some of the medications you may take.

Insulin: The cornerstone of diabetes management

Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels in the body. It helps your body’s cells absorb sugar from the blood. This sugar is then turned into energy. 

People with type 1 diabetes must be treated with insulin, as the cells in their body no longer produce it. Sometimes, those with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes also need insulin.

How insulin therapy works

The goal of insulin therapy is to keep your blood sugar levels within a target range to prevent levels from getting too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). There are different types of insulin, but they all work to lower blood sugar. Here are the main types:

• Rapid-acting insulin: This starts working quickly, usually within 15 minutes. It’s taken just before or after meals to control the normal rise in blood sugar after eating.
• Short-acting insulin: This takes effect in about 30 minutes and is used about 30 minutes before meals to manage blood sugar during meals.
• Intermediate-acting insulin: This takes a few hours to start working and lasts longer. It helps control blood sugar between meals and during the night.
• Long-acting (basal) insulin: This works gradually over an extended period and provides a steady level of insulin throughout the day and night.

You may use one or a combination of these insulins to mimic the natural insulin production in your body.

Insulin is typically injected under the skin using a needle (syringe), insulin pen or an insulin pump, a small machine that gives you a steady dose of insulin. 

Another way to take insulin is by breathing (inhaling) powdered insulin into your mouth from an inhaler device. The insulin goes into your lungs and moves into your blood.

It may take some time to adjust, but your diabetes care team will help you find an insulin routine that will keep your blood sugar levels in the target range, help you feel good and fit your lifestyle.

Other non-insulin medications

Other diabetes medications may also fit your needs. Here are some of the medicines you may take:

• Metformin: It is the most common treatment for type 2 diabetes. Metformin helps control blood sugar levels by lowering the amount of sugar the liver makes and allows the body to use insulin better.
• Sulfonylureas: These medications tell the pancreas to release more insulin, helping to lower blood sugar levels.   
• Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (gliptins): DPP-4 inhibitors help control blood sugar by preventing the breakdown of a hormone that helps regular blood sugar.
• SGLT2 inhibitors: This medication helps to protect your kidneys and heart and helps the kidneys to remove excess sugar from the body through your urine. 
• Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1 receptor) agonists: GLP-1 receptor agonists help release insulin when needed and lower the amount of blood sugar your liver makes. These medications are also powerful weight loss medications.
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors: These medications slow down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, helping to control post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Other drugs you may need include aspirin for heart health and medications for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 

Side effects of diabetes medication

Diabetes medication may have side effects. The specific side effects can vary depending on the type of medication and how each person reacts to it. However, common side effects may include:

• Stomach issues (nausea, diarrhea)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Weight gain
• Higher risk of infection (UTIs, yeast infections)
• Swelling and bloating

Talk to your health care provider about possible side effects and your risk. Your treatment plan can always be adjusted, based on your response and concerns. 

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you experience severe hypoglycemia. This potential side effect can be life-threatening and happen quickly, especially with insulin therapy. Signs of severe hypoglycemia include:

• Loss of consciousness or confusion
• Seizures
• Difficulty speaking or coordinating movements

If you are with someone experiencing these symptoms and they are unconscious, do not give them food or fluids. Call 911 right away.

Other medication side effects, like allergic reactions, can also be severe but are less common. If you experience any concerning side effects, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention.

Next: Know your blood sugar levels

Now that you know more about insulin and other diabetes medications, learn more about keeping tabs on your blood sugar levels. Being in the know empowers you to make the right moves for your health. It’s the key to staying on top of your game and living well with diabetes.