Do diabetes pills replace insulin?

Diabetes pills and insulin are both used to help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Pills are often used in type 2 diabetes, where the body still makes some insulin. Insulin is more commonly needed for type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes when the body does not make enough insulin.

Key Points

• Type 2 Diabetes Management: According to Fonseca & Kulkarni, oral medications are a common treatment for type 2 diabetes, but they may not be enough if the body does not produce sufficient insulin.
• Switching Treatments: Ertek & Cetinkalp discuss how some people with diabetes might start with insulin and later switch to pills as their condition improves, but this is not always possible.
• Combination Therapy: Buse explains that combining insulin with oral medications can be an effective strategy. This combination can help manage blood sugar levels more effectively.

In summary, while diabetes pills can help, they do not replace insulin. Sometimes, using both together is the best way to control diabetes.