Treatment Options for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

• Main Treatment: Insulin

  • Remember: "One for one," as there is one main treatment for type 1 diabetes.
  • Insulin dependent for life.
  • Insulin pumps are common:
    • Provide a set amount of insulin based on blood sugar changes.

• Oral Hypoglycemic Agents:

  • Not effective for type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

• Diet Modifications:

  • Consistent carbohydrate diet to avoid erratic blood sugar levels.
  • Sugar-free snacks and drinks.
  • Increased fluid intake.

• Exercise:

  • Improves vascular health.
  • Helps decrease body weight and improves glucose levels.

• Medications:

  • Insulin and Oral Hypoglycemic Agents:
    • Oral agents only for type 2 diabetes.
    • Common examples: Metformin, Glyburide.
  • Special Note: Stop oral hypoglycemic agents 24-48 hours before IV contrast dye.
  • Insulin Use:
    • May depend on individual needs:
      • Some patients require both insulin and oral hypoglycemics.
      • Others may use oral medications only.
    • Insulin doses may increase with stress, surgery, sickness, and steroid use.

Types of Insulin

• Rapid Acting Insulin:

  • Acts within 15 minutes.
  • High risk of hypoglycemia; meals required within 15 minutes.
  • Memory Trick: "Humalog" - "Hurry up and give food."

• Regular Insulin:

  • Examples: Humulin R, Novolin R.
  • Only type of insulin that can be given IV.
  • Memory Trick: "Regular insulin goes Right into the vein."

• Intermediate Insulin:

  • Examples: NPH, Humulin N, Novolin N.
  • Typically prescribed twice per day.

• Long Acting Insulin:

  • Never mix with other insulins.
  • Memory Trick: "Long acting is Lonely."