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Type 1 Diabetes - Medications

A person who has type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day because his or her pancreas camera 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. Also, 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. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take low-dose aspirin. Daily low-dose aspirin (81 milligrams) may help prevent heart problems if you are at risk for heart attack or stroke.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 14, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

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