Drugs commonly used for Type 1 Diabetes

Because of the risk of creating confusion and the enormously long list of drugs available, I will only list a few of these drugs. Please be sure to discuss all of your medications and adjustment needs with your physician, before making any changes or decisions.


Please note: All people with Type 1 Diabetes must take insulin by injection. The drugs listed below for type 1 Diabetes are to be administered subQ (subcutaneously - into the fatty tissue under your skin, not the muscle).


Humalog - fast acting
Generic name: Insulin Lispro
Brand name: Humalog Cartridge, Kwikpen, or Pen

Usually given with another long-acting insulin medication. It works by lowering the glucose level in the blood. Comes with multiple warnings, be sure to talk to your doctor about ALL additional medications and/or herbal remedies you are using. Be sure to discuss all allergies. Please refer to label/insert for information regarding drug interactions, adverse effects, and other risks. Talk to your Doctor about pediatric dosages or alternative options.

Novolog - fast acting
Generic name: Insulin Aspart
Brand name: NovoLog, NovoLog FlexPen, NovoLog PenFill

Usually given with another long-acting insulin medication. It works by lowering the glucose level in the blood. Comes with multiple warnings, be sure to talk to your doctor about ALL additional medications and/or herbal remedies you are using. Be sure to discuss all allergies. Please refer to label/insert for information regarding drug interactions, adverse effects, and other risks. Prescribed for adults and children as young as 2 years old.

Levemir - long acting
Generic name: Insulin Determir
Brand name: Levemir, Levemir FlexPen

Comes with multiple warnings, be sure to talk to your doctor about ALL additional medications and/or herbal remedies you are using. Be sure to discuss all allergies. Please refer to label/insert for information regarding drug interactions, adverse effects, and other risks. The Levemir cartridge also works by lowering glucose levels in the blood. Prescribed for adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Lantus - long acting
Generic name: Insulin Glargine
Brand name: Lantus, Lantus Solostar

Comes with multiple warnings, be sure to talk to your doctor about ALL additional medications and/or herbal remedies you are using. Be sure to discuss all allergies. Please refer to label/insert for information regarding drug interactions, adverse effects, and other risks. The Lantus cartridge also works by lowering glucose levels in the blood.

Lantus Solostar - long acting
Generic name: Insulin Glargine
Brand name: Lantus, Lantus Solostar

Comes with multiple warnings, be sure to talk to your doctor about ALL additional medications and/or herbal remedies you are using. Be sure to discuss all allergies. Please refer to label/insert for information regarding drug interactions, adverse effects, and other risks. The Lantus Solostar cartridge also works by lowering glucose levels in the blood.

Humulin R - fast acting
Generic name: Insulin Regular
Brand name: Humulin R, Novolin R

Comes with multiple warnings, be sure to talk to your doctor about ALL additional medications and/or herbal remedies you are using. Be sure to discuss all allergies. Please refer to label/insert for information regarding drug interactions, adverse effects, and other risks. The Humulin R also works by lowering glucose levels in the blood.


Humulin N - long acting
Generic name: Insulin Isophane
Brand Name: HumuLIN N, HumuLIN N Pen, NovoLIN N


This is a synthetic (man-made) form of a hormone produced in the body, designed to lower glucose levels in the blood.


Apidra - fast acting
Generic name: Insulin Glulisine
Brand name: Apidra

Apidra is a "faster acting" form of insulin than regular human insulin. This medication can be given to adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Symlin - triple action medication
Generic name: Pramlintide
Brand name: Symlin, SymlinPen 120, SymlinPen 60


~WARNING~ Do not mix Symlin & other insulin in the same syringe. You will need to use a lower dose of insulin than you used before starting Symlin.

Symlin works in 3 ways:
1.) It slows the rate your food moves from your stomach to your intestines. In this action, it can slow your glucose absorption.
2.) It lowers the amount of glucose your sugar produces.
3.) It triggers the feeling of fullness after meals. This will reduce your food intake and help to control your appetite.

Symlin is also a synthetic form of insulin. If you are prescribed Symlin, be sure to take specifically as prescribed. If you have any adverse effects, be sure to seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.


Become aware of the symptoms of *low blood sugar: These medications cannot be used when your blood sugar is dangerously low. Please make sure you tell your doctor of all additional health conditions, such as kidney or liver disease. Tell your doctor about other prescribed medications, over the counter medications, as well as herbal/natural remedies you are using. You don't want to create any associated risks of drug interactions.

*Symptoms of low blood sugar: Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating. Watch for signs of low blood sugar. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. If you hear someone say you are "Hypoglycemic", this means your blood sugar is too low.

When you are monitoring your blood sugar, also look for symptoms of **high blood sugar. If you hear someone say you are "hyperglycemic", this means your blood sugar is too high.

**Symptoms of high blood sugar: These symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin doses if needed.

When taking insulin, be sure to make it a part of a complete regimen of lifestyle modification, which addresses dietary and exercise needs.