What is the medical treatment for diabetes that is best?

Insulin or oral drug: If insulin-dependent diabetes, injectable insulin. Human Insulin or the newer Insulin glargine (lantus) or Insulin detemir (levemir) are excellent. If non-insulin dependent - oral agents glipizide/glyburide to start followed by the addition of metformin. And again some newer agents are available if the first line agents don't control blood sugar levels. Pioglitazone and sitagliptin combos too.

Options: If you are a type 1 diabetic, the treatment is insulin. If you are type 2 diabetic, the first drug to start on (if you have no contraindications) is metformin. If it is still not controlling your diabetes, then addition of other meds or Insulin might be needed. When choosing the Next Choice after metformin, choose agents that don't cause weight gain. Diet/exercise is needed for both diabetes type.