Diabetes and thyroid
Insulin
Used for
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
How it works
Replaces or adds to the body's own insulin, which moves sugar from the blood into cells. Rapid-acting covers meals; long-acting (basal) works all day.
Watch for
Low blood sugar. Opened vials and pens only last a set number of days at room temperature.
- Examples
- insulin lispro (Humalog, rapid-acting)
- insulin glargine (Lantus, long-acting)
- insulin NPH (Humulin N, intermediate)
More in diabetes and thyroid
- BiguanidesType 2 diabetes (usually the first drug)
- SulfonylureasType 2 diabetes
- DPP-4 inhibitorsType 2 diabetes
- SGLT2 inhibitorsType 2 diabetes; also heart failure and kidney disease
- GLP-1 agonistsType 2 diabetes; some for weight loss
- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)Type 2 diabetes
- GlucagonRescue for severe low blood sugar
- Thyroid hormonesLow thyroid (hypothyroidism)
A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.
Studying for the PTCE?
Drug classes are a big part of the Medications domain. Gutta's lessons and practice questions cover them, with an explanation for every answer.
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