Diabetes Medication & Insulin
At Pharmacy 575, we offer diabetes medication and supplies to help you live well with diabetes. We carry fast-acting and long-acting insulins such as Humulin, Novolin, Levemir and Tresiba. You can find all brands of insulin at Pharmacy 575 with a variety of delivery methods such as pumps, pens and vials.
Blood sugar (glucose) monitors and accessories are available at our pharmacy. We are also able to custom order medical alert IDs such as bracelets and necklaces upon request.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by your body not producing enough insulin or your cells not responding correctly to the insulin that is made. There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be prevented through a careful diet and exercise. Treatment for diabetes typically involves monitoring blood sugar levels and taking medications, particularly insulin.
Type 1 vs Type 2
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the body's ability to produce insulin is hindered. It is typically diagnosed at an early age and requires life-long treatment through insulin injections, glucose monitoring or insulin pumps. Sufferers of Type 1 Diabetes will have to take insulin every day to survive.
Type 2 Diabetes is much more common than Type 1. It may be prevented or delayed through eating healthy and exercising regularly. In Type 2 Diabetes, insulin is not used well by the body and it can cause high blood sugar levels.
Taking Insulin
Because diabetes affects how a person’s body processes insulin, people with diabetes will need ongoing treatment for their entire life. At this time there is no cure for diabetes.
Insulin is the most common treatment for diabetes. This is necessary for maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels. For those with Type 1 Diabetes, insulin will need to be taken every day. Patients with Type 2 Diabetes will need to take insulin as needed, this will depend on their blood sugar levels and symptoms.
Insulin is able to be administered in a variety of ways. This particular method is typically a matter of personal preference as well as a doctor’s recommendation. Treatment costs and insurance availability may also be a factor when deciding which insulin injection method is right for a particular patient.
Syringe injections are a common method of insulin delivery. It’s easy to administer and relatively inexpensive, but it takes a lot of work and care to do it correctly. Dosage, delivery site and needle length can vary so each patient will need to understand what works best for them.
A much easier delivery method is an insulin pump, but this is also one of the more expensive methods. Pumps supply a constant flow of insulin throughout the day. This can result in more stable blood sugar levels.
Insulin pens are a method that is similar to syringes, but they come pre-measured so the delivery is easier. However, there can be dosage limitations with pens and they do not allow for the same variety of treatment that a syringe or pump are able to offer.
Oral Medications
Patients with diabetes may be prescribed an oral medication as well as insulin to help maintain their diabetes. Many of these medications may be taken before meals or taken at regular intervals. Typically these medications will impact how your body metabolizes sugars.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, such as Precose and Glycet, assist your body with the process of breaking down sugar and starch in order to lower your blood sugar. They are typically taken before meals.
Biguanides lower the amount of sugar absorbed by the intestines and created by the liver. Biguanides also help muscles with the process of absorbing more glucose. Metformin is the most common biguanide and is used in medications such as Kazano, Janumet and Glucovance.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists affect a variety of metabolic processes to help people with diabetes. They lower appetite and slow the emptying of the stomach so that glucose enters the bloodstream more evenly. Trulicity, Tanzeum and Victoza are common brands of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications
Sodium-glucose transporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitors, such as Farxiga, Jardiance or Invokana, stops glucose from being held by the kidneys. This allows it to be secreted through urine.
Foot Care
Diabetes can often impact nerves. This is why foot care is very important for patients with diabetes. At Pharmacy 575, you can find a variety of products that are able to help with diabetic conditions including foot creams and multivitamin supplements. We also carry a speciality line of shoes called “Ortho Feet” for diabetics or anyone looking for comfortable shoes”.
Some insurance providers may be able to cover the costs for foot care products that are related to diabetic conditions.