Diabetes is a chronic disease that allows high levels of glucose to circulate in the bloodstream due to the body's inability to make adequate amounts of insulin or to use it properly. According to FamilyDoctor.org, insulin is produced by the pancreas and when there is not enough available, glucose cannot be transferred to the cells to be used for energy. There are a number of medications available to keep blood glucose levels stable.
Type 1 Diabetes
In Type 1 diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas are thought to be destroyed by an autoimmune reaction, rendering them unable to produce insulin. According to eMedTV, glucose levels then build up in the bloodstream, putting those with Type 1 diabetes at risk for developing kidney, cardiovascular and nerve problems. Most develop Type 1 diabetes as a child or young adult and must take insulin by injection for the rest of their lives.
Types of Insulin
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, different types of insulin have a different onset, peak and duration times. Rapid-acting insulin, such as Humalog, begins working within 15 minutes of being injected, lowers the blood sugar within 30 to 90 minutes and is done working after three to five hours. Short-acting insulin, also called regular insulin, lowers blood sugar within two to four hours and is done working by five to eight hours. Intermediate-acting insulin, including Novolin, has an onset of one to three hours, peaks in eight hours and lasts 12 to 16 hours. Lantus, a long-acting insulin, has an onset time of one hour and lasts 24 to 26 hours.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, is a chronic disease that affects how the body metabolizes glucose, according to MayoClinic.com. In this type of diabetes, the body is resistant to the effects of insulin, which increases the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, or the body does not make enough insulin to move glucose into the cells. Type 2 diabetes can be treated by diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight, but there are oral medications available to treat it if necessary.
Types of Oral Hypoglycemic Medications
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are six types of oral hypoglycemics available to treat diabetes. Glucophage, a biguanide, and Avandia, a thiazolidinedione, work by reducing the amount of glucose the liver produces and makes muscle tissue more sensitive to the effects of insulin. Sulfonylureas, such as Glucotrol, and Prandin, a meglitinide, stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, such as Precose, block the breakdown of starches from carbohydrates, reducing glucose levels. The newer DPP-4 inhibitors, like Januvia, prevent the breakdown of GLP-1, a compound which lowers glucose, allowing it to remain active longer.
Combining Medications
Some diabetes medications can be combined to get a better result. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, there are some pre-mixed insulin combinations available. Humulin 70/30 is a combination of intermediate and short-acting insulin, while Humalog 75/25 is a mix of intermediate and rapid-acting. Some oral medications can be used together, such as Glucophage with a sulfonylurea, according to the American Diabetes Association.
