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Because insulin is inactivated by gastric juices it cannot be taken orally (Lewis,etc...Medical-Surgical Nursing. p 1262) Regular insulin can be given IV and Exubera can be inhaled (for non-smokers only)

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13y ago
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13y ago

Insulin is a fragile molecule and doesn't survive stomach acids if taken orally. It needs to be injected under the skin or into a vein to work.

For more on oral Diabetes medication see also the related question and answer further down this page.

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12y ago

When you eat a protein of whatever sort, the digestive system breaks it down into amino acids. But for insulin to help you as an enzyme, it must remain intact.

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11y ago

because its faster acting

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Q: Why insulin is not given as an oral medication to diabetes?
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How do I take diabetes medication?

There are different medications for diabetes, some of them being oral, and some such as insulin being injected. If you are an insulin diabetic you will be taught by your doctor how to properly inject your insulin, and when it is required. For more information please see this site: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medication/


Different Drugs for Different Control?

Different types of oral diabetes medication treat diabetes in different ways. Metformin controls the amount of sugar in the the blood. Glyburide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin.


Is type 2 diabetes also known as pre-diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is not the same thing as pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes, or borderline diabetes, is a condition where the body either slows down insulin production or cannot correctly utilize insulin. Blood sugars are slightly elevated at times without taking any oral medication. This is usually associated with obesity and can usually be corrected with proper diet and exercise. If left untreated, pre-diabetes can become type 2 diabetes, which is basically a more severe form of pre-diabetes. With type 2, high blood sugars are usually treated with oral medication, or insulin injections if necessary. Your body does not produce enough insulin, nor does it use it correctly. This differs from type 1 diabetes, where the body does not produce insulin at all.


What is the treatment of both diabetes?

As there are two types of diabetes mellitus- Type I, the body's inability to produce insulin, & Type II, the body's resistance to insulin produced. In the case of Type I, injectable insulin is the only known treatment. For Type II, oral medications can be used on their own, in combination with other oral meds, or in combination with injectable insulin.


What is the treatment for diabetes?

There are several different types of Diabetes. Most commonly, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes treatment includes a diabetic diet and exercise. Depending on the severity and the symptoms is may also require insulin treatment often through injections or oral medication.


Oral medications for diabetes?

People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin. With type 1 diabetes the pancreas no longer produces sufficient insulin. In order to control blood glucose levels, type 1 diabetics need to use insulin injections. Insulin cannot be taken orally, it is only available as an injection.


Which is an oral medication that works within the cells to combat insulin resistance?

Glucophage


What is the most common medicine for Diabetes?

As there are two types of Diabetes, Type I or also known as Juvenile Diabetes and Type II Diabetes complicated by the fact that there are a number of types of Insulin prescribed for type I diabetics and a number of drugs that are available to prescribe to type II diabetics and is further complicated by the fact that some people are prescribed both an insulin and oral medication which makes it harder to narrow down the most prescribed medicine to treat diabetes.


Does a pharmacy sell diabetes supplies?

A pharmacy sells both over the counter items as well as supplies that require a prescription. You can get things such as glucometers, syringes, insulin, oral medication, glucose tabs, lotions, etc.


Type 2 diabetes is known as?

Type 2 diabetes is also known as Life Style Related Diabetes or NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES because it is only treate with oral hypoglycemic agents. Diabetes Mellitus


When to start treatment for diabetes?

asap! The doctor will usually try oral medication in combination with diet and exercise to see if that will work to drop your glucose levels. There are a few different drugs used singly or in a combination. This is the first choice if you have Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. If the oral meds and diet do not work, then insulin is usually recommended. IF you are dealing with Type 1, the medical profession usually goes straight to insulin, since your body is usually not produncing any.


Type II diabetes mellitus is characterized by?

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is what they formerly call the Non-insulin dependent Diabetes. This is the inherited type of diabetes. This is the diabetes that is usually managed with Oral Hyperglycemic medications and usually does not need insulin but depends on the situation.