Final answer:
The first-line medication for type 2 diabetes is often an oral drug like metformin that improves insulin sensitivity, whereas individuals with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels. Lifestyle changes are also important in managing diabetes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first-line medication for managing type 2 diabetes often includes drugs that enhance the body's insulin sensitivity or increase pancreatic insulin secretion rather than insulin itself. Initially, lifestyle changes such as moderate weight loss, increased physical activity, and a healthful diet might significantly reduce blood glucose levels. However, when these are not sufficient, medical intervention is necessary. For some individuals, medications like metformin, which enhances the body's response to insulin, are used as first-line treatment. Other oral medications such as sulfonylureas, like gliclazide, may be prescribed, but they may also lead to adverse effects such as hypoglycemia.
In type 1 diabetes, the situation is different as individuals do not produce insulin and therefore require insulin injections to maintain their blood glucose levels within normal ranges. This is a lifelong requirement since there is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes.
It is essential to note that not every patient responds to medications in the same way due to variations in genetics, a field studied by pharmacogenetics. A doctor or endocrinologist may take all these factors into consideration when prescribing medication for diabetes.