Medication

What Are My Options?

There are different types, or classes, of drugs that work in different ways to lower blood glucose (blood sugar) levels: Sulfonylureas Biguanides Meglitinides Thiazolidinediones DPP-4 inhibitors SGLT2 Inhibitors Alpha-glucosidase

Medication for type 2 diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes are often given medications including insulin to help control their blood glucose levels. Most of these medications are in the form of tablets, but some are given by injection. Tablets or injections

DPP-4 inhibitors

Chemical name: Linagliptin Saxagliptin Sitagliptin Vildagliptin Points to remember about DPP-4 inhibitors They work by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4. This enhances the levels of active incretin hormones which act to lower blood

Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors

Chemical name: Acarbose Points to remember about alpha glucosidase inhibitors They help to slow down the digestion and absorption of certain dietary carbohydrates in the stomach (intestine). Taken on their own, they don’t cause

Thiazolidinediones (glitazones)

Chemical name: Rosiglitazone Pioglitazone Points to remember about thiazolidinediones (glitazones) They help to lower blood glucose levels by increasing the effect of your own insulin, especially on muscle and fat cells, i.e.

Sulphonylureas

This group of insulin tablets stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin. Chemical name: Gliclazide Gliclazide Glibenclamide Glipizide Glimepiride Points to remember about sulphonylureas Sulphonylureas lower blood glucose

Biguanides

Chemical name: Metformin Points to remember about biguanides This group of insulin tablets helps to lower blood glucose levels by reducing the amount of stored glucose released by the liver, slowing the absorption of glucose from

Can Diabetes Pills Help Me?

Only people with type 2 diabetes can use pills to manage their diabetes, people with type 1 diabetes must use insulin. These pills work best when used with meal planning and exercise. This way you have three therapies working

Oral Medication

The first treatment for type 2 diabetes blood glucose (sugar) control is often meal planning, weight loss, and exercising. Sometimes these measures are not enough to bring blood glucose levels down near the normal range. The next

Insulin Routines

Insulin is required for people with type 1 diabetes and sometimes necessary for people with type 2 diabetes. Syringe is the most common form of insulin delivery, but there are other options, including insulin pens and pumps.