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  • Diabetes indicates high blood sugar. This can cause a number of complications. A diabetic might require several medications to manage blood sugar as well as complications that can arise from diabetes.

    Insulin Therapy

    Insulin--a naturally occurring substance in the body--helps keep blood sugar at normal levels. If you have type 1 diabetes (insufficient or no insulin production), you need to take insulin your entire life. Some type 2 diabetics might require it as well. You can inject it or use an insulin pump which delivers insulin into the body through a catheter.

    Other Diabetes Medications

    Besides insulin, other medications address problems directly related to diabetes. You might take drugs to encourage your pancreas to release insulin, reduce your liver's production and release of glucose, and interfere with carbohydrate breakdown. Examples include sulfonylureas, meglitinides, biguanides and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.

    Aspirin Therapy

    Diabetes increases your risk for heart attacks due to its negative impact on the arteries. Some doctors will recommend aspirin therapy to reduce this risk.

    Managing Other Conditions

    Diabetes can predispose you to additional health problems that if present in conjunction with diabetes significantly increase your risk for heart problems, stroke and kidney damage. If you have problems like high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you might need medications to treat these conditions.

    Considerations

    While many medications can go a long way in treating diabetes and managing its complications, healthy lifestyle choices like eating right and exercising regularly are paramount.

    Source:

    The Mayo Clinic: Diabetes--Treatments & Drugs

    American Diabetes Association: Medications--What Are My Options?

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