What are the different types of diabetes medication?

Are there different medications for different types of diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that affects so many people all over the world. There are two different types of diabetes that affect people, and there are many different medications that can be used to treat both types of diabetes. You may become confused as to what diabetes medication is best for you, or you may be wondering why you have been prescribed a certain medication to treat your diabetes. In this article, we will provide a list of all of the different types of diabetes medication that you may be prescribed, as well as this, we will go more in-depth on diabetes as a condition, including what the difference is between type one and type two diabetes, and why you may have diabetes. 

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose levels, are too high. Diabetes comes in two forms, type one and type two. There are differences between both types of diabetes, and we will touch upon these later on in the article. Blood sugar, the thing that is most affected by diabetes, is your body's main source of energy and the main source comes from the food that we eat. Your blood sugar levels are controlled by a substance in your body called insulin. Insulin is used to transfer glucose from your food into the cells in the body so that you have energy. Diabetes develops in the body when your body is not producing enough insulin, or in some cases, none at all. 

What medications can you get for diabetes?

Treatment for diabetes has become much more accessible and much more effective. There are many medications that you may be prescribed when you have diabetes. Below is a table of all of the medications that you can purchase online from UK Meds when you have a valid prescription:

There are other types of diabetes medications that are available. The most well-known diabetes medication is insulin injection. This is most commonly taken by people with type one diabetes, however, some people with type two diabetes will also need to inject. There is a new, groundbreaking treatment for diabetes that is known as the insulin pump. The pump is a small needle with an electronic device that injects insulin into your body as and when you need it. The device will monitor your blood sugar levels and will provide you with insulin when your blood sugar levels change. This means you do not have to monitor your own levels or inject your own insulin. As these treatments are relatively new they are not widely available yet. Only certain people will qualify for a pump, and even then they are expensive to buy and maintain. 

How does diabetes occur?

As there are two different types of diabetes the way in which both of them occur is different. However, the reason someone is diabetic is the same. Diabetes occurs when the body is not producing enough insulin or any at all. Insulin is used to transfer glucose from the food that we eat into energy in the cells. Diabetes can be dangerous, as it can lead to a number of serious health conditions, including

• Heart disease

• Kidney disease

• Blindness

• Nerve damage

• Foot problems

• Stroke

• Dental problems

These conditions can be serious, some can be debilitating, whereas others could be lethal. This is why it is so important to keep up to date with diabetes medications, no matter which one you have. 

What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is your chance to stop type two diabetes before it can manifest itself. Pre-diabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, however, it is not yet high enough for a diagnosis of type two diabetes. Pre-diabetes that is left untreated can lead to serious conditions such as type two diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. Pre-diabetes is your chance to stop type two diabetes. When you are told you have pre-diabetes you will be able to change your lifestyle and reverse the effects of pre-diabetes. By exercising more and eating a healthier diet you will be able to prevent type two diabetes. 

What is Type One diabetes?

Type one diabetes is simply diabetes that you are born with. Type one diabetes does not mean that it takes effect as soon as you’re born, in fact, it can develop at any time of life. Typically, type one diabetes will develop when the sufferer is younger, although it is also commonly developed in teenagers. Type one diabetes can also be hereditary, meaning it is passed down to you by genes in your family. However, type one diabetes in the genes may not surface at all. Sometimes, someone who has type one diabetes genes will not actually have the disease. It can however be triggered by factors such as illness or the environment.

What is Type Two diabetes?

Type two diabetes is the more common form of diabetes. Around 90% of all diabetes sufferers will be type two and not type one. Unlike type one diabetes, type two will occur in people that are not born with it. Type two diabetes is also caused by high blood sugar, but it is more so linked with a lack of exercise, a poor diet, or a family history of type two diabetes. People who are overweight are at risk of becoming type two diabetic, and will often become pre-diabetic beforehand. During this period they have the opportunity to reverse their fortunes by changing their lifestyle.

How to manage living with diabetes?

When you are diagnosed with diabetes, either type one or type two, you may be concerned about the effects it may have on your day-to-day life. Thankfully, as treatments have improved the day-to-day lives of diabetics are now relatively normal. Prior to treatment evolution, diabetics would struggle to manage their conditions, however, with newer more advanced treatments such as the insulin pump it is now easy to cope with the disease. Despite this, there are some tips that you can follow to help manage your diabetes. Some tips you can follow include:

• Adapt your diet - Avoid sugary food and drinks, limit carbohydrates, and ensure you have a well-balanced plate. 

• Exercise regularly - Talk to your doctor about creating an exercise plan.

• Ensure you always have enough medication that is correctly stored. 

• Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach and check your blood sugar before you go to bed after drinking alcohol. 

Where to purchase diabetes medication online?

If you have been prescribed with a specific diabetes medication then chances are you can purchase it online from UK Meds. To find your treatment, browse through our diabetes medication here. You can purchase your medication with a pre-existing prescription, or you can complete an online consultation with an independent prescriber. Following a successful consultation you will be issued with a prescription and you will be able to purchase your medication.

Sources

• NHS - Diabetes

• Gov.uk - Health Matters: Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

• NHS - Type 2 Diabetes

• BBC Bitesize - Type 2 Diabetes

• BBC Bitesize - Diabetes and Insulin

• Science Focus - Diabetes Articles

• UK Meds - Diabetes