Diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States and beyond. As a result, it has become a major issue for consumers and the government. While it may not be possible to completely remedy this problem, patients can combat diabetes by using the right insulin medications. Using these medications as instructed by a doctor can help keep your diabetes in check so you don’t have to worry about experiencing severe side effects.
So, what are some of the most common types of diabetes medications? Within this guide, you will find out.
3 Types of Diabetes Medications
First and foremost, patients should know that there are three types of diabetes medications. Although they serve the same purpose, they do so differently. You have short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulin. In addition to this, there is pre-mixed insulin. How do you know which one is right for you? It is important to consult with your doctor before moving forward. They will help you figure out which insulin will work best for you.
Determining Which Insulin Is Best For You
Next, you’ll need to work with a doctor to determine which insulin works best for you. This can be difficult since your options are plentiful. However, your doctor will be able to help you determine easily. Your doctor will pick an insulin based on several factors including how you respond to insulin, your lifestyle choices, your age, and more.
In addition to this, you need to find out how many times you will give yourself injections each day. If you can handle multiple injections a day, you’ll be okay with a shorter acting insulin. Otherwise, you’ll want to stick with a long-acting insulin because you’ll need fewer medications.
Types Of Diabetes Medications
When it comes down to it, there are numerous diabetes medications. It is important to know which medication is right for you. Which medication will work best for you? How long does your insulin medication work? Below, you’ll find explanations of the most common insulin medications and their effects.
Fast Acting Insulin
Lispro
Lispro or Humalog is one of the most popular rapid-acting insulin medications on the planet. This fast-acting insulin has an onset time of 15 to 30 minutes and will peak in half an hour to 90 minutes. Lispro can provide effects for 3 to 5 hours. Lispro is very effective for covering your insulin needs before meals. In most cases, you’ll need to take fast-action insulin with long-acting insulin.
Aspart
Aspart is known as Novolog. This is another rapid-acting insulin medication that has an onset time of 10 to 20 minutes. It can peak in 40 to 50 minutes and will last for 3 to 5 hours. When taking Novolog, you’ll need to inject the medication before meals. Again, this medication will need to be used with long-acting insulin. This combination will ensure that you’re able to manage your diabetes throughout the day.
Glulisine
Apidra or Glulisine will begin working in 20 to 30 minutes. It will peak in the body in 30 to 90 minutes. This medication will remain effective in the body for an hour to two and a half hours. Apidra needs to be injected before meals. Since this is a rapid-acting insulin, you won’t be able to rely solely on it. Instead, you’ll also need to use a longer-acting insulin to ensure that your diabetes remains under control at all times.
Short-Acting
Regular R/Novolin
Short-acting insulin is a good choice for covering your insulin needs for meals eaten within the next hour. With Novolin, the drug will begin working in half an hour to an hour. It will peak in the body in 2 hours to five hours. It can remain active for 5 to 8 hours. This is one of the most commonly prescribed medications because it is effective and proven. You should consider adding this medication to your cart when you decide to buy insulin online.
Velosulin
Velosulin is unique because it is used in an insulin pump. Again, this medication will cover all insulin needs for meals consumed within the next 30 to 60 minutes. In addition to this, you should know that it has an onset time of 30 minutes to 1 hour. Velosulin peaks in roughly 2 hours and will remain active for up to 3 hours. This is a good choice for patients who prefer using an insulin pump.
Intermediate-Acting
N Or NPH
Intermediate-acting medication can cover your insulin needs for half a day. If you’ve been given intermediate-acting insulin, you’re likely going to be taking NPH. It works for 18 to 24 hours and begins working in just one hour.
Long-Acting
Lantus
Lantus or insulin glargine is also known as Toujeo and Basaglar. This insulin has no peak time since it is delivered steadily. It will cover your insulin needs for the entire day and begins working in an hour.
Levemir
Levemir or insulin detemir works for an entire day but peaks in 6 to 8 hours. It will begin working in an hour.
Tresiba
Tresiba or insulin degludec is one of the best insulin medications for many because it can continue working for 42 hours. It begins working in half an hour and has no peak time. Just remember that long-acting insulin may need to be combined with rapid or short-acting insulin to keep your diabetes in check throughout the day.
Insulin Administration Routes
Insulin can be administered several routes, including subcutaneously, pump, intravenously, and inhalation. The most common administration method for insulin is subcutaneous. The intravenous (IV) route is most often utilized during hospitalization.
When injecting insulin via a subcutaneous route, you can choose from several recommended injection sites. These sites include the outer upper arms, outer upper thighs, abdomen, and buttocks.
The IV route for insulin is to offer convenience during hospitalization. The medicine is administered through a catheter that is placed through a vein through intravenous infusion.
Insulin pumps offer more convenience than any other administration route. The pump is inserted on the abdomen just underneath the skin. This administration route is highly recommended to those who want to live a free lifestyle without manual injections. However, routine finger sticks are still part of the insulin pump blood glucose management.
There are a number of factors that relate to being at risk for type 2 diabetes, including menopause and lifestyle. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes talk to your healthcare provider to find the treatment/medications best suited for you.
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