Diabetes Medication Type 2 List

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. This means the body is unable to properly absorb glucose in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. To help control blood sugar levels, people with type 2 diabetes are prescribed medications to lower their blood sugar. There are a variety of diabetes medications available and they can be used alone or in combination with each other. In this article, we will discuss the different types of diabetes medications and how they work.

Types of Diabetes Medications

There are several types of medications available for type 2 diabetes. These medications can be grouped into categories based on their mechanism of action. The most common types of diabetes medications are:

• Sulfonylureas
• Biguanides
• Thiazolidinediones
• Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors
• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists
• Sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors
• Amylinomimetics
• Bile acid sequestrants
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
• Meglitinides

Each of these medications works differently to lower blood sugar levels. The choice of medication will depend on the individual’s needs, as well as their doctor’s recommendation. It is important to note that medications can have side effects, so it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of each medication with your doctor before starting a new one.

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas are a type of medication that stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. This increases the amount of insulin available in the body, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Sulfonylureas have been in use for many years and are generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include weight gain and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Examples of sulfonylureas include glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), and glyburide (Micronase).

Biguanides

Biguanides are a type of medication that helps the body use insulin more effectively. This reduces the amount of glucose in the blood, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Biguanides may also help to reduce the amount of fat in the blood, which can help to reduce cholesterol levels. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Examples of biguanides include metformin (Glucophage) and phenformin (Diabinese).

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones are a type of medication that helps the body use insulin more effectively. This helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Common side effects include weight gain and edema (swelling of the limbs). Examples of thiazolidinediones include pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia).

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a type of medication that helps the body use insulin more effectively. This helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and upper respiratory infections. Examples of DPP-4 inhibitors include sitagliptin (Januvia), saxagliptin (Onglyza), and linagliptin (Tradjenta).

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a type of medication that helps the body use insulin more effectively. This helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists include exenatide (Byetta) and liraglutide (Victoza).

Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter-2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors

Sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are a type of medication that helps the body use insulin more effectively. This helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Common side effects include urinary tract infections and genital yeast infections. Examples of SGLT-2 inhibitors include canagliflozin (Invokana) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga).

Amylinomimetics

Amylinomimetics are a type of medication that helps the body use insulin more effectively. This helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting. Examples of amylinomimetics include pramlintide (Symlin).

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants are a type of medication that helps to reduce cholesterol levels. This helps to reduce the amount of fat in the blood, which may help to lower blood sugar levels. Common side effects include constipation and abdominal pain. Examples of bile acid sequestrants include cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid).

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are a type of medication that helps to reduce the absorption of carbohydrates. This helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Common side effects include flatulence and abdominal pain. Examples of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors include acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset).

Meglitinides

Meglitinides are a type of medication that stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin. This increases the amount of insulin available in the body, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Common side effects include weight gain and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Examples of meglitinides include repaglinide (Prandin) and nateglinide (Starlix).

Conclusion

There are many different types of medications available to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is important to understand how each medication works, as well as the potential side effects before starting a new medication. Your doctor can help you choose the right medication for your needs, and can also provide guidance on how to take the medication and monitor your blood sugar levels. With the right medication and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage type 2 diabetes and live a healthy life.

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