What Are Some Medications For Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes medications lower blood glucose through different mechanisms. Options include metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones and insulin. The most appropriate medicine depends on glucose targets, heart and kidney health, body weight, side-effect risk, other treatments and personal circumstances, and several medicines may be combined.  

What Are Some Medications For Type 2 Diabetes
Medically reviewed

Dr. Chrysoula I. Liakou MD, PhD Google Scholar LinkedIn

Internal Medicine Specialist
Cancer Immunology Researcher

How Type 2 Diabetes Medicines Work and How Treatment Is Chosen


People who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can manage their condition with insulin and other medications. These drugs work by lowering the amount of sugar in their blood, allowing them to avoid the symptoms and potential health risks associated with having high blood sugar levels.


Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, but it primarily affects people above 45.

 

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?


When a person has type 2 diabetes, their body is unable to process sugar from their diet effectively. This is because the body either does not produce enough of the hormone insulin or does not use it properly. Insulin helps to move sugar from the bloodstream into the cells, where it can be used for energy. As a result, sugar accumulates in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels.


For those with type 2 diabetes, either their body fails to produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin they do have efficiently.


When cells cannot use the insulin properly, the sugar in the blood remains, causing a person's blood sugar levels to rise. Type 2 diabetes can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, increased hunger and thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and unexplained weight loss.

 

How Can A Person Manage Type 2 Diabetes?


With careful management, people with type 2 diabetes can reduce their symptoms and lower the risk of complications.


The following steps can be taken to manage type 2 diabetes:

  • Managing Their Stress Level

  • Being Mindful Of Their Diet

  • Getting Enough Physical Activity

  • Monitoring Their Blood Sugar Levels


A doctor may recommend insulin to a person with type 2 diabetes, as this can assist in controlling their blood sugar levels and help reduce symptoms and potential complications. Additionally, other medications are available to help treat type 2 diabetes.

 

Medications For Type 2 Diabetes


There are a variety of medications that can be taken to help keep blood sugar levels in check. These include


Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors


This slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, which helps to control blood sugar levels. AGIs are prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes to help them manage their blood sugar levels.


Enzymes such as these include:

  • Isomaltase

  • Glucoamylase

  • Sucrase

  • Maltase


AGIs, such as acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset), delay the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine, which helps to control the rise in blood sugar levels after meals.


Biguanide


Biguanides are a class of medications that can reduce the amount of sugar the liver produces and the amount of sugar the intestines can absorb. Additionally, they can enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin.


Biguanides, of which metformin is the most common form, have the effect of lowering blood sugar levels. As such, metformin is the most widely prescribed oral hypoglycemic agent for treating type 2 diabetes in Western countries.


Dopamine Agonists


Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson’s disease, but it may also be beneficial for type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that bromocriptine may help regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with the condition, although further research is needed to understand the exact mechanism of action.


Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors


DPP-4 inhibitors work by increasing the body's production of insulin. This helps to reduce blood glucose levels and can help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition.


For instance, insulin injections are given to help a person with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.


DPP-4 inhibitors can reduce the amount of glucagon secreted by the pancreas. Glucagon is a hormone responsible for raising the glucose level in the blood and preventing it from falling below a certain point.


Here are some examples of inhibitors of DPP-4:

  • Alogliptin is sold under the brand name Nesina.

  • The combination of alogliptin and metformin is marketed as Kazano.

  • Alogliptin combined with pioglitazone is available as Oseni.

  • Linagliptin is the active ingredient in Tradjenta.

  • The combination of linagliptin and empagliflozin is found in Glyxambi.

  • The linagliptin-metformin combination is marketed as Jentadueto.

  • Saxagliptin is the active ingredient in Onglyza.

  • Saxagliptin combined with metformin is available as Kombiglyze XR.

  • Sitagliptin is the critical component in Januvia.

  • The combination of sitagliptin and metformin is sold under the names Janumet and Janumet XR.

  • Sitagliptin combined with simvastatin is marketed as Juvisync.


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


GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. These drugs stimulate insulin production and reduce a person's blood sugar levels, inhibiting glucagon production and slowing down the emptying of the stomach.


This is likely because this class of medications helps to reduce hunger and cravings, making it easier to stick to a low-calorie diet and lose weight.


An example of an agonist for GLP-1 receptors is given below:

  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

  • Exenatide (Byetta)

  • Albiglutide (Tanzeum)

  • Exenatide Extended-Release (Bydureon)

  • Liraglutide (Victoza)

  • Semaglutide (Ozempic)


Meglitinides


Meglitinides are medications that help reduce blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production. This class of drugs can be taken on its own or with other medicines, such as metformin.


The body quickly absorbs meglitinides, and they have a short half-life of less than 60 minutes. This means they show an immediate effect and are effective for a short time. As a result, they are used to regulate blood sugar levels after meals. Doctors typically suggest taking meglitinides about 30 minutes before having a meal. The two most common meglitinides are nateglinide (Starlix) and repaglinide (Prandin).


Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors


SGLT2 inhibitors work by preventing glucose from being reabsorbed by the kidneys and instead allowing it to be eliminated in the urine. This decreases the amount of glucose in the body and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.


SGLT2 inhibitors include the following four examples:

  • Ertugliflozin (Steglatro)

  • Canagliflozin (Invokana)

  • Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)

  • Empagliflozin (Jardiance)


Sulfonylureas


Sulfonylureas, used to treat diabetes since the 1950s, are the oldest type of oral diabetes medication. These drugs stimulate insulin production from the pancreas, lowering blood sugar levels.


A few examples of sulfonylureas are listed below:

  • Glipizide (Glucotrol)

  • Glimepiride (Amaryl)

  • Glimepiride-Rosiglitazone (Avandaryl)

  • Glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase, Micronase)

  • Tolazamide (Tolinase)

  • Tolbutamide (Orinase, Tol-Tab)

  • Glimepiride-Pioglitazone (Duetact)

  • Gliclazide

  • Glipizide-Metformin (Metaglip)

  • Glyburide-Metformin (Glucovance)

  • Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)


Thiazolidinediones


SulfonThiazolidinediones (TZDs) are a type of drug that works by influencing cellular metabolic pathways. By activating insulin and improving its effectiveness, these medications can help to lower a person's blood sugar levels.


Around one-fifth of people taking TZDs may experience undesirable side effects, such as fluid retention. Furthermore, taking TZDs may increase the risk of developing heart disease.


An example of a TZD is as follows:

  • Osiglitazone (Avandia)

  • Pioglitazone-Metformin (Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met Xr)

  • Pioglitazone-Glimepiride (Duetact)

  • Rosiglitazone-Glimepiride (Avandaryl)

  • Pioglitazone-Alogliptin (Oseni)

  • Pioglitazone (Actos)

  • Rosiglitazone-metformin (Avandamet)

 

Other Treatments


People with type 2 diabetes may need to use insulin to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Insulin can be administered through several methods like:

  • Artificial Pancreas

  • Insulin Pump

  • Insulin Inhaler

  • Jet Injector

  • Needle And Syringe

  • Insulin Pen


Weight loss surgery is a viable treatment option for those with type 2 diabetes and obesity. It can help a person lose a significant amount of weight, which can, in turn, reduce their blood sugar levels and improve their overall health. It is essential for those considering this surgery to consult with their doctor to assess any potential risks and to discuss the best course of action.


To manage type 2 diabetes, a person may need to take medications to treat associated conditions, such as high cholesterol or heart disease. In addition, leading a healthy lifestyle can help manage the situation. This could include:

  • Striving to achieve or sustain a moderate weight.

  • Engaging in regular physical activity.

  • Consuming a healthy and well-balanced diet.

  • Effectively managing stress levels.

  • Abstaining from smoking or making efforts to quit.

 

When To Contact A Doctor


However, some people may choose not to make an appointment with a doctor and instead continue taking the medication with the side effects. This can be particularly true if the person's diabetes is managed well and the side effects are not severe.


People should visit a doctor right away if they experience any severe side effects from taking a medication. In sporadic instances, a person can experience a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing, fainting, having a seizure, or becoming unresponsive.


A diabetic identification bracelet is essential for diabetic people to ensure they receive the appropriate medical care in an emergency.

 

Outlook On Type 2 Diabetes


Type 2 diabetes is a long-term medical condition with no available cure. It poses serious health risks and can cause potentially fatal complications.


A 2016 meta-analysis that assessed data from more than 13,000 individuals with type 2 diabetes indicated that diabetes self-management education can reduce mortality rates. With proper management and the use of medications to control the condition, a person can lower their risk of complications and enhance their standard of living.


Connect with one of our doctors at Mobi Doctor with the click of a button and receive the care you require.



Type 2 Diabetes Medications and Treatment Options FAQs

Common medications include metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones such as pioglitazone, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides and insulin. They lower blood glucose by reducing liver glucose production, improving insulin response, increasing insulin release, slowing carbohydrate absorption or removing glucose through urine. The appropriate class depends on individual health needs.

No, metformin is not always the only first medication considered. It remains widely used, but current guidance increasingly recommends early SGLT2-inhibitor treatment, sometimes alongside metformin, because medication choice should consider cardiovascular and kidney benefits as well as blood glucose control. Kidney function, side effects, body weight, other conditions and national prescribing guidance all influence the starting plan.

SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood glucose by helping the kidneys pass more glucose into urine, whereas GLP-1 receptor agonists increase glucose-dependent insulin release, reduce glucagon, slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite. Both classes support blood sugar control, but their side effects and suitability differ. Certain medicines in these groups also provide cardiovascular or kidney benefits for selected patients.

Some type 2 diabetes medications can support weight loss. GLP-1 receptor agonists often reduce appetite, while SGLT2 inhibitors and metformin may produce modest weight reduction or remain broadly weight-neutral. Sulfonylureas, pioglitazone and insulin can contribute to weight gain in some people. Weight effects are only one consideration alongside glucose control, safety and heart and kidney health.

Insulin may be needed when blood glucose remains high despite other medicines, when symptoms are significant or when the body no longer produces enough insulin. It may also be used temporarily during pregnancy, serious illness, surgery or hospital treatment. Starting insulin does not mean treatment has failed; type 2 diabetes often changes over time, and medication needs can change with it.

Yes, combining two or more diabetes medications is common because different drug classes lower glucose in complementary ways. Metformin, for example, may be used with an SGLT2 inhibitor, DPP-4 inhibitor, GLP-1 medicine or insulin. Combination treatment requires review of kidney function, interactions, hypoglycaemia risk and side effects, and doses should not be changed without clinical guidance.

Insulin, sulfonylureas and meglitinides carry the greatest risk of hypoglycaemia because they directly increase or replace insulin. Risk rises with missed meals, unplanned exercise, alcohol, excessive dosing or reduced kidney function. Shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness, palpitations and confusion are common warning signs; severe hypoglycaemia can cause seizures or unconsciousness.

Side effects differ by medicine. Metformin commonly causes nausea or diarrhoea; GLP-1 medicines can cause nausea, vomiting or reduced appetite; and SGLT2 inhibitors may cause genital infections, increased urination or dehydration. Sulfonylureas and insulin can cause low blood sugar, while pioglitazone may cause weight gain and fluid retention. Persistent or troublesome effects warrant a medication review.

Urgent help is needed for loss of consciousness, a seizure, severe breathing difficulty, facial or tongue swelling, or severe hypoglycaemia that does not improve promptly. People taking an SGLT2 inhibitor should also seek urgent assessment for persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual sleepiness, confusion or fast, deep breathing, as these can signal diabetic ketoacidosis even without extremely high glucose.


Comments

Submit

Most popular post

See A Doctor Now

Related Articles

View All
Causes And Treatments For Excess Mucus In Throat

Causes And Treatments For Excess Mucus In Throat

Fasting May Improve Gut Microbiome Balance In People With Obesity

Fasting May Improve Gut Microbiome Balance In People With Obesity

Acute Cystitis: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

Acute Cystitis: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options



Swipe up to see a Dr.

close

Mobi Doctor is run by Mobidoctor Ltd. Consultations are carried out, and every prescribing decision is made, by licensed doctors. We don't sell or dispense medicines: your prescription goes to a pharmacy you choose.