Type 1 Diabetes

• When you have type 1 diabetes, your body doesn't produce insulin. Therefore, the primary medication used in treating this type of diabetes is insulin.
  
  

Insulin

• Insulin is critical in order to feed the body. People with type 1, and sometimes with type 2, diabetes have to take insulin in order to lower their blood sugar. Because enzymes in the stomach interfere with the effectiveness of oral insulin, insulin is normally injected into the diabetic. Insulin can also be brought into the body through a hand-sized device called an insulin pump. The pump supplies the body with insulin through a catheter.
  
  

Pramlintide

• Pramlintide is a relatively new medication that is also injected into the body. It is a synthetic form of amylin, an enzyme that works in concert with insulin to maintain healthy blood-glucose levels. Ideally, it would be especially beneficial if pramlintide could be injected as a mixture with insulin. Unfortunately, the chemical compounds of the two diabetes-fighting medications don't mix and must be injected separately. Pramlintide can be used by type 1 and type 2 diabetics who are not reaching their goal with insulin alone.
  
  

Type 2 Diabetes

• Type 2 is different from type 1 diabetes in that the body does produce insulin, just not enough of it. Some, but not all, will need insulin injections. There are other medications that a type 2 diabetic can take to produce insulin and regulate their blood sugar.
  
  

Type 2 Medications

• According to the American Diabetes Association, there are a number of drugs that type 2 diabetics can use to help with the production of insulin, for more effective insulin production and to lower their blood-glucose levels. Sulfonylureas and meglitinides are responsible for higher insulin production. DPP-4 inhibitors and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors help to lower blood glucose levels. Thiazolidinediones allow the insulin in the body to be more effective.