Oral Medication

Oral medications are grouped by how they work. There are four basic groups:

• Group 1 - These help the body to make insulin.
• Group 2 - These help the body to use insulin more effectively.
• Group 3 - These keep sugar from being absorbed as quickly.
• Group 4 - These are combinations of medications.

It is important that you know which medication(s) you are on, how the medication works, when to take it and any other special information about that medication.

Insulin

Insulin is given by injection and is available through a bottle and syringe or in pens. There are several different kinds of insulin and each works a little differently.

Our body has two different kinds of insulin needs. We need a little insulin to be working all day long and a lot of insulin to work right after we eat to bring our blood sugar level back down. If you are injecting insulin, it is important that both of these needs are met.

There are basically four groups of insulin:

• Fast acting
• Short acting
• Intermediate
• Long acting

Most people take two types of insulin to maintain glucose control. Because of this, pre-mixed insulin is available.

It is important that you know how your insulin works, when you are to take it and how to administer it. A health care provider can help you with this.