Understanding Diabetes Treatment with Chula Pharmacists

    Last week, we discussed diabetes and highlighted its prevalence. If not properly managed, diabetes can lead to severe complications, increasing the risk of illness and premature death. However, ongoing research continues to improve treatment methods, leading to the development of various medications that effectively control blood sugar levels, slow disease progression, and reduce mortality rates.

The Role of Insulin in Diabetes

    Before diving into diabetes medications, it's important to understand insulin. Produced by the pancreas, insulin helps transport sugar from food into cells for energy. Without insulin, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar levels. In diabetic patients, insulin production may be impaired, or the body may not use insulin efficiently.

Types of Diabetes Medications

    Diabetes medications primarily target insulin and blood sugar control. There are now innovative treatment options tailored to different patient needs, including:

    Drugs that stimulate insulin production from the pancreas.

    Drugs that improve insulin sensitivity by reducing insulin resistance.

    Drugs that help eliminate excess sugar through urine.

    Drugs that slow carbohydrate digestion, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes.

    Some medications also provide additional health benefits, such as appetite suppression, weight reduction in obese patients, and a lower risk of heart and kidney diseases. However, certain medications can cause side effects, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or an increased risk of urinary tract infections.

Insulin Injections for Diabetes Management

    In addition to oral medications, insulin injections are essential for patients with type 1 diabetes, whose pancreases cannot produce insulin, or for those who cannot control blood sugar with oral drugs alone. While insulin injections effectively regulate blood sugar, they require regular administration and may pose a risk of hypoglycemia.

The Importance of Proper Medication Use

    The choice of treatment depends on a physician’s assessment of disease severity, organ function, and other health conditions. Many patients start with one or two medications, but as the disease progresses, their medication regimen may expand—often due to inconsistent use or lack of lifestyle changes. On the other hand, patients who commit to healthier habits, such as reducing sugar and starch intake, increasing fiber consumption, and exercising regularly, may reduce their dependence on medication.

A Final Word on Diabetes Management

    To effectively manage diabetes, patients must take their medications correctly and make necessary lifestyle changes. Neglecting treatment can lead to severe complications, including kidney failure, vision loss, slow-healing wounds, and even amputations.

    The key takeaway: Diabetes is treatable. With the right medications, dietary adjustments, and regular exercise, the disease can be controlled. Most importantly, early screening is crucial—detecting diabetes early makes management significantly easier.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University