Affordable Diabetes Treatment: How Generic Medications Can Help You Manage Your Blood Sugar

11/29/2024

 

Diabetes and its Types

Diabetes is categorized into two classes mentioned below:

Type 1 Diabetes:

When the pancreas produces little or no insulin, it is known as Type 1 diabetes. Currently, there is no cure for this condition, and the body is dependent on external sources of insulin. People living with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections daily to maintain their glucose levels. The causes of deficiency or no production of insulin by the pancreas have yet to be determined.

Type 2 Diabetes:

People are said to be suffering from Type 2 Diabetes when the Insulin produced is not utilized properly by the body. The improper utilization of insulin leads to a rise in sugar levels in the blood. More than 90% of people diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be averted by maintaining a healthy weight, diet, and regular exercise. You might also be prescribed medicine or a combination of medicines based on one's condition.

Gestational Diabetes:

Gestational diabetes occurs in women while they are pregnant. In such cases, the glucose levels are higher than normal but below the diabetic range. Such women and their fetuses are vulnerable to developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.

Identification and Treatment

Type 1 Diabetes:

It can be diagnosed by undertaking blood tests. The lives of individuals with such type of diabetes are dependent on insulin. In addition to the injection form, Insulin is also available as a powder that can be inhaled. Insulin injection can be self-administered at home. Multiple types of Insulin injections are listed below.

• Rapid Acting Insulin Injection: They start showing their effect in 5 to 15 minutes and last for a relatively short time, 2 to 4 hours. Example: NovoLog

• Intermediate Acting Insulin Injection: Such injections start acting in 2 to 4 hours and last for about 12 to 18 hours. Example: Novolin N

• Short-Acting Insulin Injection: Such injections start acting in 30 to 60 minutes and last for up to 3 to 6 hours. Example: Novolin R

• Long-Acting Insulin Injection: They take 2 hours to show their effect and last for about 24 hours.

• Insulin for Inhalation: Inhalable insulin is used for breathing. It starts showing its effect in 10 to 15 minutes and lasts for about 2 to 3 hours. Example: Afrezza.

Type 2 Diabetes:

People with Type 2 diabetes are required to take medications for blood sugar level management. However, the best way to deal with diabetes is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are numerous medications for treating type 2 diabetes. A few of the medicines are mentioned below:

Biguanides:

Metformin is the most popular medication under the drug category Biguanides. It is one of the most prescribed drugs for treating type 2 diabetes. They aid in reducing the production of glucose by the liver, which later passes into the blood. It also minimizes the glucose absorption in the gut. Metformin is available under the brand names Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza etc. The brand drugs cost more; an affordable option would be to buy cheap anti-diabetic drugs online.

DPP-4 Inhibitors (Gliptins):

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors or DPP-4 Inhibitors are effective in controlling increased blood sugar levels along with diet and exercise. Some of the popular drugs in this category are Januvia, Tradjenta, Onglyza, etc.

Sulfonylureas:

These are groups of medicines that are beneficial in treating Type 2 diabetes. They act by stimulating the pancreas to produce more Insulin, which helps keep glucose at an adequate level. Examples of drugs in this category are Amaryl, Glucotrol, Glynase, and Diabeta.

SGLT2 inhibitors:

These are a group of medicines approved by the FDA for treating Type 2 diabetes. Along with diet and exercise, they help keep blood sugar levels within limits. A few common names under this category are Jardiance, Invokana, and Farxiga.

There are numerous other medications for treating diabetes other than those listed above. It is advisable to check with your doctor before you purchase any generic anti-diabetic drugs online. Your doctor will analyze your condition and determine which medications align with your condition. Besides taking generic anti-diabetic drugs, it is important to monitor the blood pressure level as increased sugar levels may cause other complications. Additional care, such as those mentioned below, is required to mitigate other risks associated with diabetes:

• Regular eye check-ups for retinopathy

• Taking up kidney tests frequently

Lifestyle Changes

Although medication can help manage diabetes, incorporating the points mentioned below into our daily lives can also be beneficial.

• Avoid using tobacco products as it increases the risk of diabetes and other diseases.

• Limit your alcohol intake as it helps in reducing your blood sugar levels.

• Try to maintain an optimal weight as it minimizes the risk of developing diabetes.

• Follow a healthy diet. Food rich in fiber helps lose weight and lowers the risk of diabetes.

• Include regular exercise in your daily routine. Exercise enhances your sensitivity to insulin, helps lower blood sugar levels, and benefits in losing weight.

Conclusion

Being diagnosed with Diabetes does not mean that all is over. The condition can managed by inculcating a healthy lifestyle, diet, and exercise. However, if the lifestyle changes do not yield the desired results, you might be recommended medications. Before you start taking any anti-diabetic medication, you must inform your doctor of all the medicines you might be taking, including prescription, non-prescription, herbal drugs, and supplements. Sticking to your doctor’s advice and with a healthy lifestyle, you can manage your blood sugar level and lead a normal life.