Which is better for diabetes treatment: insulin injections or oral medication?
Jul 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Blood glucose levels are significantly elevated, especially when fasting blood glucose is well above the normal range, or when acute complications of diabetes occur, making oral medications ineffective for rapid blood glucose control. In such cases, administering insulin can directly supplement insulin levels, quickly lower blood glucose, and prevent the condition from worsening. For patients with severe liver or kidney dysfunction who are unable to use oral medications, insulin administration is a safer option.
Generally, insulin injections are recommended for diabetic patients when blood sugar levels are significantly elevated or when there are contraindications to oral medications. When blood sugar is only mildly elevated and there are no contraindications to medication, oral drugs are preferred. If any abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is advised. Detailed analysis is as follows:
When blood sugar levels are significantly elevated, especially if fasting blood glucose is far above the normal range or acute complications of diabetes arise, oral medications may not rapidly control blood sugar effectively. At this point, insulin injections can directly supplement insulin, quickly lower blood sugar levels, and prevent the condition from worsening. Insulin injections are a safer option when patients have severe liver or kidney dysfunction and cannot use oral medications.
For patients with mildly elevated blood sugar levels that remain uncontrolled after dietary and exercise adjustments, but who do not require insulin therapy and have no contraindications such as liver or kidney dysfunction, oral medications can effectively control blood sugar. Oral drugs are convenient to use and can provide long-term stable blood sugar regulation, making them suitable for most patients in this category.
The choice of treatment method for diabetic patients should be evaluated by a physician, based on blood sugar levels and overall health. Regular blood sugar monitoring during treatment is necessary, with adjustments to the treatment plan made according to individual conditions.
