Medications

Medication for type 2 diabetes

There are many different classes of medications for type 2 diabetes and their actions differ in the body.

There are tablets, injectables and insulin.

Classes of medications

  • Biguanides
  • Sulphonylureas
  • Thiazolidinediones (Glitazones)
  • Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors.
  • Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors
  • Incretin mimetics
  • Sodium-glucose transporter (SGLT2) inhibitors

Biguanides

METFORMIN , METFORMIN ER example Diabex®, Diaformin®,

Metformin is usually the first diabetes tablet prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight. It helps with insulin resistance. It helps insulin get glucose into cells where its needed.

Metformin does not cause low blood glucose levels hypoglycaemia (hypos).

Metformin also comes combined with other diabetes tablets.

Sulphonylureas

Sulphonylureas stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.

Common names: Diamicron Glyade, Daonil

Sulphonylureas stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin.

They can cause  low blood glucose levels, hypoglycaemia

DPP-4 inhibitors

Chemical name: ALOGLIPTIN, LINAGLIPTIN, SAXAGLIPTIN, SITAGLIPTIN, VILDAGLIPTIN

Points to remember about DPP-4 inhibitors

Common names Januvia, Trajenta

A DPP-4 is an enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones. This causes the pancreas to produce insulin after a meal when it is needed to help reduce glucose.

Incretin mimetics Injectable medication

Common names Byetta, Victoza, Bydureon, Trulicity

Given by injection

It Stimulates the release of insulin and slows down absorption of glucose in the blood stream by slowing digestion.

Sodium-glucose transporter (SGLT2) inhibitors

Common names Forxiga, Jardiance

It works by allowing excess glucose in the blood to be removed via urine.

Combinations

Often medications are combined into one tablet rather than taking 2 separate tablets. It is more convenient and  cost effective.

Insulin

Used in both Type 1 and type 2

Insulin is a hormone that makes up the deficit of insulinnot being produced.

There are different type of insulin. Short acting that is given before meals and long acting that are a slow release insulin lasting up to 24 hours.

Gestational

Metformin

Insulin