Diabetes Medication Study Guide

Diabetes can be a complicated diagnosis to manage, and medications play an important role in helping to keep it under control. Knowing which medications are available and how they work can help you and your healthcare team come up with the best treatment plan for you. This guide provides an overview of the different types of medication available to treat diabetes, how they work, and how they can help you manage your diabetes.

What Are the Different Types of Diabetes Medication?

There are several different types of diabetes medications available. These include insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants, and thiazolidinediones. Each of these medications works in a different way to help you manage your diabetes.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that helps your body turn sugar from food into energy. People with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes, usually those with more severe cases, need to take insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Insulin can be taken as injections or through an insulin pump. Injections are usually done with a pen or a syringe. Insulin pumps are small, computerized devices that deliver a steady dose of insulin throughout the day.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that work by increasing the amount of insulin your body produces. They also help to reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and help delay the absorption of glucose from food. GLP-1 receptor agonists are usually taken in pill form and are often prescribed along with insulin for people with type 2 diabetes.

DPP-4 Inhibitors

DPP-4 inhibitors are medications that help to increase the amount of insulin your body produces and reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver. These medications are usually taken in pill form and are sometimes prescribed along with insulin and/or GLP-1 receptor agonists.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

SGLT2 inhibitors are medications that help your body to remove excess glucose through the kidneys. These medications are usually taken in pill form and are often prescribed along with insulin and/or GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are medications that help to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates from food, which helps to keep your blood sugar levels from rising too quickly. These medications are usually taken in pill form and are sometimes prescribed along with insulin and/or GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants are medications that help to reduce the amount of cholesterol in your blood. These medications are usually taken in pill form and are sometimes prescribed along with insulin and/or GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones are medications that help to increase sensitivity to insulin, which helps to keep your blood sugar levels from rising too quickly. These medications are usually taken in pill form and are sometimes prescribed along with insulin and/or GLP-1 receptor agonists.

How Do Diabetes Medications Work?

The different types of diabetes medications work in different ways to help you manage your diabetes. Insulin helps your body to turn sugar from food into energy, GLP-1 receptor agonists help to reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver, DPP-4 inhibitors help to increase the amount of insulin your body produces, SGLT2 inhibitors help your body to remove excess glucose through the kidneys, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors help to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates from food, bile acid sequestrants help to reduce the amount of cholesterol in your blood, and thiazolidinediones help to increase sensitivity to insulin.

How Can Diabetes Medications Help You Manage Your Diabetes?

By taking the right medications, you can help to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. This can help to reduce your risk of complications from diabetes, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Taking diabetes medications as prescribed can also help you to maintain a healthy weight and keep your cholesterol and blood pressure levels in check.

Conclusion

Diabetes medications can be an important part of managing your diabetes. Knowing which medications are available and how they work can help you and your healthcare team come up with the best treatment plan for you. With the right medications and lifestyle changes, you can help to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range and reduce your risk of complications from diabetes.