Medications

Insulin is used to treat type 1 diabetes. There are several different types of insulin, and most people with type 1 diabetes need a combination of long-acting and short-acting insulins.

Never skip a dose of insulin without the advice of your doctor. Be sure to know:

• The dose of each type of insulin you are taking.
• The daily schedule for your insulin injections. Usually people with type 1 diabetes take a long-acting insulin once or twice a day and a short-acting insulin with meals.
• How long it takes for each type of insulin to start working (onset), when it will have its greatest effect (peak), and how long it will work (duration). See a table that shows this information about types of insulin.
• How to prepare and give an insulin injection.

  Diabetes: Giving Yourself an Insulin Shot

Surgery

There are no surgical treatments for recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes.