The Role of Medications in Diabetes Management

Is it possible to manage diabetes without medication?

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. While type 1 diabetes cannot be managed without medication, type 2 may also require medication for long-term maintenance of blood sugar levels. Here's why:

1. Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disorder and a chronic condition. The pancreas of people with type 1 diabetes produces little or no insulin. In such a scenario, since the body does not make enough insulin, external insulin doses (in the form of insulin pumps or injections) are necessary to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range.
2. Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes leads to high sugar levels. Some people can manage type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise, but most others require medication to control blood sugar levels and avoid other complications that result from high sugar levels.

 

Why is medication necessary for managing diabetes?

High blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia damages the blood vessels and nerves and may cause kidney damage, heart disease, eye problems and neuropathy in the long run. In severe cases, it can lead to diabetic coma, also known as ketoacidosis. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain blood sugar levels in the recommended range. Today, most doctors recommend that people with diabetes focus on three things: food intake, lifestyle choices and medication. So, when are lifestyle and diet not enough to manage diabetes? Why do you need medication?

Here are some reasons why medication is necessary for people with diabetes:

1. Insulin resistance: People with type 1 and 2 diabetes may develop some level of insulin resistance. In such instances, lifestyle and diet changes are not enough because they cannot help your body become more sensitive to insulin. While there is no medication approved to treat the insulin sensitivity of the body, some medicines like metformin reduce blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity.
2. Type 1 diabetes: So far, there is no cure to type 1 diabetes. While lifestyle and diet changes can help manage sugar levels, medication is necessary to ensure that blood sugar levels remain stable. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections throughout their lives.
3. Progression: Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and with time, the body's ability to produce or respond to insulin may worsen. Therefore, lifestyle changes alone fail to maintain blood sugar levels.

 

How does medication help you manage your diabetes?

Diabetes medication helps your body maintain blood sugar levels in the normal range. Different types of medications work in different ways to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

For example, a few medicines can reduce liver glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, leading to lower blood sugar levels. Others like insulin pumps and injections provide small doses of insulin to help manage blood sugar levels. Medications like sulfonylureas and meglitinides stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps the body use glucose more effectively and reduces high blood sugar levels.

Your physician will work with you to determine the best medication for you based on the type and severity of your diabetes and your medical history.

 

When is medication recommended to manage Type 2 diabetes?

After diagnosis, your physician will work with you to develop a lifestyle plan, meal plan and medication plan to help you manage your diabetes. Diabetes medications are prescribed when you are unable to maintain healthy sugar levels with lifestyle and diet changes. However, for lifestyle and diet changes to be effective, you have to be consistent.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes in your 40s or 50s, you need to be consistent with your diet and exercise regime if you want to control your blood sugar levels with only lifestyle modifications. This may not always be possible in the long run. Therefore, medications are recommended to help manage blood sugar levels and avoid other complications.

 

What are the advantages of regularly taking medications for managing diabetes?

You must take your diabetes medicines regularly because skipping doses or taking medications inconsistently can lead to unstable blood sugar levels and increase the risk of long-term complications. Here are some reasons why regular medication adherence is crucial in diabetes management:

• Avoid hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia: Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) may occur in people with diabetes if blood sugar levels are not accurately maintained. However, by taking the prescribed medication regularly and at appropriate intervals, you can avoid hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
• Avoiding complications: Diabetes medications help maintain your blood sugar levels in the target range and help prevent long-term complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, and vision problems. It also improves long-term health outcomes.
• Improving the quality of life: When your blood sugar levels are well controlled, you will feel better and have more energy. This can improve your overall quality of life. When your blood sugar levels are within acceptable limits, diabetic symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, blurred vision, slow wound healing, etc subside.
• Reducing healthcare costs: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to hospitalisations, emergency room visits, and other medical costs. Taking medications regularly can help prevent these and reduce healthcare costs.

 

Medications are one of the most effective ways to manage diabetes and lead a healthy life

Diabetes is linked to many other health complications if left untreated, and sometimes lifestyle changes alone do not effectively reduce blood sugar levels. In such cases, medications work wonders. They not only control blood sugar levels but also prevent other health issues. So, get tested and take control of your health.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, consult your doctor regularly for medication and other lifestyle changes. Take your medications as prescribed and live a healthy and fulfilling life!

 

A few interesting facts about diabetes and diabetes medications

• Diabetes capital of the world: India has the largest diabetes population with more than 35% of people being diabetic. Of these, In India, type 2 diabetes affects 7.3% of the population.
• There is no single treatment to treat diabetes. Every individual is different and may respond differently to medications.
• Insulin cannot be taken orally because it gets destroyed by the enzymes present in the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract. Instead, insulin comes in the form of insulin injections or pumps.
• Daily injections of insulin are required to maintain blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes.
• The most common oral medication prescribed to people with Type 1 diabetes is metformin. This is because it is one of the first medications to be introduced back in 1957 and has been extensively studied.
• Diabetes is often called a silent disease because, in the early stages, it rarely shows any symptoms. At later stages, most of its symptoms are common and easily mistaken for other diseases.
• While type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the most commonly known types of diabetes. There are two others: prediabetes (when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetic) and gestational diabetes (diabetes detected during pregnancy and is usually caused by excess weight gain or hormonal imbalance).