The range of drugs for Type 2 diabetes is extensive and complicated. Spend some time learning about these medications for diabetes, including their uses, effects, and related adverse effects. This can assist you in preparing to talk to your doctor about the best diabetes treatment options for you.
Lowering blood sugar with diabetes medications
An A1C of less than 7% is the blood sugar goal for the majority of persons with diabetes mellitus. (A1C calculates a person’s average blood sugar over a three-month period). Frequently, diet and exercise alone won’t cut it; one or more medications may be needed. There are numerous types of Type 2 diabetes medications available. The methods used by each kind of diabetes medication to reduce blood sugar levels vary. When it comes to reducing blood sugar and A1C, these medications are the best for diabetes.
- Long- and rapid-acting insulin: Patients with type 1 diabetes require insulin because their pancreatic beta cells are no longer able to manufacture the hormone, which is essential for glucose uptake and is required by muscle and adipose tissue. Insulin injections are not limited to those with Type 1 diabetes, though; people with Type 2 diabetes may also get insulin, usually only after several oral drug treatments have failed to achieve the desired blood glucose levels.
Individuals with diabetes usually receive several injections per day, such as long-acting basal insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels, and bolus insulin shots, which are given before to meals. Because it might result in hypoglycemic episodes, insulin is classified as a high-risk medicine; however, the advantages of using insulin to treat type 1 diabetes much exceed the dangers. Insulins that are most frequently prescribed are Novolog and Basaglar.
2) Metformin:
Metformin, which also treats pre-diabetics, is the primary line of treatment for patients with diabetes when taking oral medications. It is designed to reduce the liver’s synthesis of glucose, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the absorption of sugar from the intestines. It has been demonstrated that metformin pills can lower A1 levels by 1% to 2% and fasting sugar levels by 25% on average.
The doctor recommended starting with Metform as monotherapy along with lifestyle adjustments, depending on the severity of the metabolic disease, before adding further medications to the patient’s treatment plan. The oral diabetic medication is well accepted, yet initially, some patients may have stomach issues such diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen, and flatulence.
3) Glipizide:
After three months of using Metformin, if the desired blood sugar levels are not reached, medical professionals may decide to add Glipizide, an oral antidiabetic that belongs to the sulfonylurea class, to a patient’s prescription. This diabetic medication aids in promoting the pancreatic beta cells’ synthesis of insulin hormone, which significantly lowers postprandial blood glucose. Glipizide is a medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Since it cannot be used with insulin, a necessary treatment for people with Type 1 diabetes, it should not be administered to those who have the condition. Glipizide should not be used in conjunction with insulin since it can cause severe hypoglycemia.
The diabetes medication lowers A1C readings and is most effective when taken 30 minutes before a meal. A diabetic patient using Glipizide may experience nausea and weight gain. The medication is quite good at producing more insulin, but it becomes less effective with time because the activity of the beta cells may start to deteriorate.
- Glimepride:
Glimepride works the same way as Glipizide, sharing the same class of medications. One difference is that it is not typically given along with Metformin, as there is an increased risk of hypoglycemia when they are used in combination. Glimepiride is a once-daily medicine that should be consumed with the very first meal of the day.The medicine works best when used in combination with diet and regular exercise. This medicine is associated with the least weight gain among all sulfonylureas and is especially recommended for patients with heart disease. - Invokama:
If a diabetes patient suffers from a sulfa allergy, the previous two antidiabetic agents are not recommended, but Invokana may be. Invokana, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, works by inhibiting the sodium-glucose cotransporter, which causes a significant reduction in the reabsorption of filtered glucose. The medicine also causes the diabetes patient to excrete excess glucose via urine, lowering overall plasma glucose concentration.The oral antidiabetic agent has been shown to lower A1C levels but is particularly effective for most diabetes patients because of the significant weight loss it can bring about. There are a few disadvantages to using Invokana, including increased thirst and urination. Patients may also develop more frequent infections, such as urinary tract infections, due to the sugar excreted in their urine, as it is well-known that bacteria love sugar. Diabetes medicine is often used in combination with Metformin. - Januvia:
It regulates blood glucose levels by increasing insulin production from the beta cells and lowering glucagon production. Januvia is believed to enhance the body’s incretins. The medicine has been shown to reduce A1C levels and significantly reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. Patients taking Junuvia tablets may experience rash, edema, and urinary tract infections. - While these diabetes pills certainly have more to offer than just improvements in blood glucose levels, they remain inaccessible and costly to many people worldwide. This is why having an open conversation with your healthcare professional about what is necessary for you and what goes with your goals and preferences is important.
- Also Read: Benefits and drawbacks of medicine for high blood pressure
