Insulin therapy remains to be the most effective therapeutic treatment for Type 1 diabetes (T1). For individuals with T1D, making sure that the body produces insulin remains a cornerstone for longevity. If a person can continue producing their own insulin, it usually means fewer complications later in life. Administration of insulin varies differently though. Effects can also greatly vary. Doctors prescribe insulin depending on the patient’s needs. Some patients require basal insulin or insulin that stays in the blood longer even in periods of fasting.
These are the most common antidiabetics that are prescribed to T1D patients right now:
- Insulin Aspart, Insulin glulisine, Insulin lispro. These types of insulin have a rapid onset of within 5-15 minutes and duration usually last from 2-4 hours. They can be used in insulin pumps.
- Insulin inhaled. This insulin is in powder form. The onset of the drugs is within 12-15 minutes and duration of 180 minutes.
- Regular Insulin. It has a short onset of 30 minutes and can last 5-8 hours.
- Insulin demeter. For individuals who require longer-acting insulin, insulin demeter is the one that is prescribed. It is administered subcutaneously and can last from five hours to 23 hours depending on the dosage.
- Insulin degludec. This is also for individuals who need a basal insulin. It can last from 25 to 42 hours.
There are also other treatments available like:
- Amylinomimetics like Pramlintide acetate. Pramlintide acetate like Symlin works in three ways. It limits the production of glucagon, so your liver does not release glucose into the bloodstream. It slows down the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. It also suppresses appetite by making the patient feel full. Through these actions, it lowers down the glucose in the bloodstream.
- Hypoglycemia Antidotes like Glucagon. For those who also suffer from hypoglycemia, doctors give Glucagon prescriptions. It increases glucose production in the liver and in the heart to prevent any complications.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4380133/
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/117739-medication#showall
https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/basal-insulin-types-benefits-dosage-side-effects#2
https://www.symlin.com/considering-symlin/how-symlin-works.html
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