WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Type 1 Diabetes
Medications
A person who has
type 1 diabetes must take
insulin every day because his or her
pancreas
does not produce it. Insulin helps blood
sugar (glucose) enter the body's cells to be used for energy. Insulin can be
given as an injection into the fatty tissue under the skin or through an
insulin pump.
Usually people with type 1 diabetes take a combination of types of insulin, such as a long-acting insulin once or twice a day and a rapid-acting insulin before each meal. The amount and type of insulin needed varies for each person. Also, the amount and type of insulin needed changes over time, depending on age, hormones (such as during rapid growth or pregnancy), and changes in exercise routine. In addition, a person may need higher doses of insulin during times of illness or emotional stress.
Other medicines may be needed if a person develops complications from diabetes, such as kidney disease.
A person also may need medicines to treat high blood pressure or high cholesterol and help prevent complications from diabetes. If you are 40 or older, talk to your doctor about taking a low-dose aspirin daily to help prevent heart attack, stroke, or other large blood vessel disease.
Last Updated:
September 17, 2008- Author:
- Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
- Medical Review:
- Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.





