is insulin is better then tablets

In this article, we will figure out the question that has arisen in the minds of many: “Is insulin better than tablets?” By learning about the strengths and limitations of both insulin and oral tablets, we aim to shed light on this important aspect of diabetes management and help individuals make informed decisions tailored to their health goals. So, let’s embark on this journey of understanding and discovery as we unravel the complexities of treating type 2 diabetes.

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent and complex metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce enough insulin to effectively control blood sugar levels. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition, type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating habits.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various treatment options, including lifestyle changes, oral medications, and insulin therapy. Empowering ourselves with knowledge about type 2 diabetes will enable us to make informed decisions, adopt healthy habits, and work closely with health care professionals to achieve optimal blood sugar control and overall wellness.

Insulin Therapy

Insulin therapy is an important treatment option for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who are unable to achieve adequate blood sugar control through lifestyle changes and oral medications.

It involves the administration of insulin to effectively control blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and its main role is to facilitate the absorption of glucose into cells, where it is used for energy.
In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Insulin therapy helps to overcome this resistance and supply the body with the required insulin.

Insulin Doses and Types

Insulin therapy is an important treatment for diabetes, which works to replace the insulin naturally produced by the body. People with type 1 diabetes are dependent on diurnal insulin injections because their bodies don’t make enough insulin.

For type 2 diabetes, insulin is used when other treatments and  drugs don’t control blood sugar  situations well enough. Insulin boluses are given in two main ways:

Basal Dose:

This provides a steady supply of insulin throughout the day and night. It helps control blood sugar by controlling the liver’s release of glucose, especially during long periods between meals, such as at night.

Bolus dose:

Bolus dose taken at mealtimes helps to transport the absorbed sugar from the blood to the muscles and fat. It can also cure high blood sugar levels. Bolus dosing is also known as nutritional or meal-time dosing.

There are different types of insulin available, and they differ based on three key factors:

 

• • Onset: How soon it starts working after injection.

• • Peak: The time when insulin is strongest and most effective.

• • Duration: The total time that insulin remains in the bloodstream, causing blood sugar levels to drop.

There are several types of insulin available, each with a different duration of action:-

Rapid-Acting Insulin:

 

• • Examples: Insulin lispro, insulin aspart, insulin glulisine

• • Onset of Action: 15-30 minutes after injection

• • Peak Effect: 1-2 hours after injection

• • Duration: 3-5 hours

• • Typically taken before meals to cover the rise in blood sugar after eating.

Short-Acting Insulin (Regular Insulin):

 

• • Example: regular human insulin

• • Onset of Action: 30 minutes to 1 hour after injection

• • Peak Effect: 2-3 hours after injection

• • Duration: 3-6 hours

• • Usually taken 30 minutes before a meal to cover the increase in blood sugar after eating.

Intermediate-Acting Insulin:

 

• • Example: Neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin

• • Onset of Action: 1-2 hours after injection

• • Peak Effect: 4-12 hours after injection

• • Duration: 18-24 hours

Often used in combination with rapid-acting or short-acting insulin to provide basal (background) insulin coverage between meals and during the night.

Long-Acting Insulin:

 

• • Examples: Insulin glargine, insulin detemir, insulin degludec

• • Onset of Action: 1-2 hours after injection (insulin glargine and insulin degludec have a more gradual onset)

• • Peak Effect: Generally peakless or minimal peak effect

• • Duration: Up to 24 hours or longer depending on the type

Provides a steady release of insulin to cover the basal insulin needs throughout the day and night.

Premixed insulin :

Premixed insulin, also called mixed insulin, is a unique combination of two different types of insulin. This specialized formulation integrates both basal and bolus dosing, providing effective blood glucose control after meals and throughout the day.

Inhaled revival :

Inhaled Revival is a fast acting insulin powder which starts working within 15 minutes of use. It is taken just before a meal, which provides a way to effectively affect blood sugar levels.

How to decide which insulin is taken

The decision of which insulin to take is based on several factors, including the type of diabetes (type 1 or type 2), individual health needs, blood sugar control, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Here are some key considerations in determining an appropriate insulin regimen:

 

• • Type 1 diabetes: For individuals with type 1 diabetes, insulin is always needed because their body does not produce insulin. In contrast, people with type 2 diabetes can start with lifestyle changes and oral medications. If blood sugar levels cannot be adequately controlled by these measures, insulin therapy may be initiated.

 

• • Blood sugar control: The level of blood sugar control is assessed through regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. If blood sugar levels are consistently high or fluctuate greatly, insulin may be needed to improve control.

 

• • Individual health needs: Each person’s health needs are unique, and insulin selection takes into account factors such as age, weight, kidney function, and the presence of other medical conditions.

 

• • Lifestyle: A person’s daily routine, diet and level of physical activity affect the selection of insulin. For example, some people may prefer the convenience of using premixed insulin, while others may opt for inhaled insulin to avoid injections.

 

• • Treatment goals: The healthcare provider will work with the individual to set individual treatment goals, such as achieving target blood sugar levels, preventing complications, and improving overall quality of life.

 

• • Types of Insulin: There are different types of insulin available, each with specific characteristics with respect to onset, peak, and duration of action. Insulin selection may include using a combination of rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting insulin, depending on the individual’s needs.

 

• • Patient preference: Patient preference and comfort with a particular insulin delivery method (injection, inhalation, etc.) play an important role in treatment decisions.

How many ways to take insulin

There are many ways to take insulin, and the choice depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and the specific insulin regimen prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Here are the main ways to take insulin:

 

• • Insulin injection: This is the most common method of insulin administration. Insulin is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) using insulin syringes, an insulin pen, or an insulin pump. Injections can be made in different areas of the body with fatty tissue, such as the abdomen, thighs or upper arms.

 

• • Insulin pen: Insulin pens are pre-filled with insulin and have a replaceable needle. They provide a convenient and discreet way to administer insulin, making them popular among individuals with diabetes.

 

• • Insulin Pump: Insulin pumps are small devices that deliver a continuous supply of fast-acting insulin throughout the day. They are worn externally, usually on a belt or pocket, and have a catheter that is inserted under the skin. Users can also give additional insulin as needed, such as before meals, with bolus doses.

 

• • Inhaled insulin: Inhaled insulin is a newer option that delivers rapid-acting insulin through the lungs via inhalation. It comes as a dry powder, which is inhaled into the lungs using a special inhaler device.

 

• • Premixed insulin: Premixed insulin is a combination of two types of insulin (rapid-acting and intermediate-acting or long-acting) in the same vial or pen. It offers both basal and bolus insulin dosing, making it convenient for individuals who require both types of insulin.

 

• • Injectable insulin for intravenous use: In certain medical situations, such as hospitalization or in critical care, insulin may be administered intravenously to closely control blood glucose levels.

Insulin is injected into these sites on the body:

 

• • Abdomen

• • Upper arm

• • Thighs

• • Hips

Oral medication:

Oral medication is a common and effective treatment option for individuals with type 2 diabetes. These drugs are taken by mouth and work in various ways in lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Oral medications are often prescribed as first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, especially for people with mild to moderate hyperglycemia and when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to control blood sugar levels.

Here are some common classes of oral medications used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes:

 

1. 1. Metformin: Metformin is usually the first drug prescribed for type 2 diabetes. This prototype works by reducing the amount of glucose taken up and increasing the portfolio in the portfolio, leading to better glucose uptake.

1. 1. Sulfonylureas: These drugs stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. They have been used for many years and are available in different generations with different duration of action.

1. 1. Meglitinides: Similar to sulfonylureas, meglitinides also stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, but their onset is faster and the duration of action is shorter.

1. 1. DPP-4 inhibitors: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors help increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon production, resulting in lower blood glucose levels.

1. 1. GLP-1 receptor agonists: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are injectable medications that help increase insulin secretion, slow stomach emptying, and reduce appetite.

1. 1. SGLT2 inhibitors: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidney, thereby increasing the excretion of glucose in the urine.

1. 1. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors: These drugs slow down the digestion of carbohydrates in the intestines, thereby reducing the rise in blood sugar levels after a meal.

It is important to note that not all oral medications are suitable for everyone, and the choice of medication depends on individual factors such as medical history, other health conditions, kidney function, and potential side effects. Combination therapy, where two or more oral medications are used together, may also be prescribed in some cases to achieve better blood sugar control.

Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is necessary to monitor blood sugar levels, adjust medications if necessary, and address any concerns or side effects. Additionally, lifestyle modifications including a healthy diet and regular exercise are often recommended along with oral drug treatment to achieve optimal diabetes management and overall well-being.

is insulin is better than pills?

The choice between insulin and oral tablets for the management of type 2 diabetes depends on a variety of factors, including the individual’s health status, blood sugar control, lifestyle, and preferences. Both insulin and oral medications have their own advantages and can be used alone or in combination, depending on the specific needs of the patient.

Here’s a comparison of insulin and oral tablets:

insulin:

Mechanism of Action: Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels by facilitating the absorption of glucose into cells.
Administration: Insulin is administered via injection, and there are different types of insulin with different duration of action (rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting and long-acting).
Flexibility: Insulin provides more precise control of blood sugar levels and is adjustable based on the individual’s specific needs and daily fluctuations in blood sugar.
Effectiveness: Insulin is highly effective at lowering blood sugar levels, especially in cases of severe insulin resistance or when oral medications are no longer sufficient.

oral tablets:

Mechanism of action: Oral medications for type 2 diabetes work through various mechanisms, such as increasing insulin production, improving insulin sensitivity, or reducing glucose production by the liver.
Administration: Oral tablets are taken by mouth, making them more convenient and less invasive than insulin injections.
Simplicity: Oral medications can be an easy option for people who avoid injections or who have difficulty self-injecting.
Initial treatment: Oral medications are often the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, especially for individuals with mild to moderate hyperglycemia.
Side effects: Oral medications can have various side effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances or weight gain, depending on the specific drug.

Effectiveness and Safety

Effectiveness:

Blood sugar control: Insulin is a hormone that directly lowers blood sugar levels by promoting the absorption of glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This improves glycemic control and helps prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and its associated complications:

Blood sugar control: Insulin is a hormone that directly lowers blood sugar levels by promoting the absorption of glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This improves glycemic control and helps prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and its associated complications.

Precise dose adjustment: Insulin therapy provides a high degree of flexibility in dosing. There are different types of insulin available, each with a specific duration of action. This allows for precise dosage adjustments to match individual needs and daily fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Management of high blood sugar: Insulin is particularly effective in the management of severe hyperglycemia or when other oral medications are not sufficient in controlling blood sugar levels.

Combination therapy: Insulin may be used in combination with other oral medications or injectable medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, to achieve optimal blood sugar control in some individuals.

Safety:

Hypoglycemia: One of the main safety concerns with insulin therapy is the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia can occur if the insulin dose is too high or there are significant changes in diet or physical activity. However, with proper monitoring and dosage adjustments, the risk of hypoglycemia can be minimized.
Weight Management: Some individuals may experience weight gain with insulin therapy. This is due to improved glucose uptake by cells, which can lead to increased fat storage. However, weight gain can often be controlled with dietary adjustments and regular physical activity.
Injection site reactions: Insulin is given through injection, and some individuals may experience minor reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, or itching. Rotating injection sites may help reduce these reactions.
Insulin allergy: Although rare, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to insulin. Symptoms may include skin rash, itching or difficulty breathing. if any symptoms of an allergic reaction are observed, immediate medical help should be sought.