Whether it is better to take insulin or medication depends on the specific condition. type 1 diabetes needs insulin; type 2 diabetes can be treated with oral medication in the early stage, and insulin treatment is needed in the later stage when the pancreatic islet function is poor; insulin treatment is needed for acute diabetic complications, surgeries, and pregnant women. 1.1 type 1 diabetes: type 1 diabetes patients with pancreatic islet cell destruction, absolute lack of insulin, oral medication is poor, need insulin therapy. 2. Type 2 diabetes mellitus: early type 2 diabetes mellitus is usually mainly insulin resistance, oral hypoglycemic drugs can control blood glucose, such as metformin, acarbose, pioglitazone, etc.; with the progress of the disease, the late pancreatic islet function is poor, mainly insulin insufficiency, insulin therapy is needed to control blood glucose. 3. Others: acute complications of diabetes, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome, and surgery, high blood sugar in pregnancy, need insulin to control blood sugar. Patients with diabetes or abnormal blood sugar should be treated under the guidance of a doctor.