You’ve tried managing your type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise, but you’re still experiencing blood sugar spikes that need to be brought under control. Your doctor has determined that it’s time to try adding medication to your diabetes care routine.
Many people with diabetes take medication to manage their condition. For some, a single pill is effective. In other cases, a combination of meds works better. Finding this balance can take time — but it’s worth the effort.
A range of medications is available to treat type 2 diabetes. They work in the body in a variety of ways. Your doctor will explain the differences among them and will explain how you take them, what they do, and what side effects they might cause.
Types of Diabetes Medication
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The most commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes is metformin, the product name for a family of drugs called the biguanides. Metformin works by decreasing the amount of sugar your liver releases and by helping your body use its own available insulin more efficiently. It is often prescribed because it helps prevent many of the long-term complications of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes involves complex body chemistry, so it’s no wonder that the medications to treat it are complex, too. There are several other classes, or types, of drugs your doctor may choose to prescribe to treat your type 2 diabetes — sometimes on their own and sometimes in combination with injected insulin.
Some diabetes drugs work by helping your pancreas produce and release more insulin. Others block the action of stomach enzymes that break down carbohydrates, so not as much glucose is released into your bloodstream. Some slow down the digestion of food. Others make your cells more sensitive to insulin.
Many of these medications are taken as pills, while others may be injected. Some are available in combination form. These combination medications can be highly effective and may make it easier to stick to your diabetes treatment plan. If you experience side effects though, it can be tougher to determine which medication is to blame.
What About Side Effects?
Figuring out which medications or combinations of medications will work for you — and which you can best tolerate — can be complicated and take time.  You will need to stay in close communication with your diabetes care team about how the meds affect you and whether you are experiencing side effects. Some diabetes medications cause weight gain, rashes, stomach upsets, and a range of other symptoms.
You need to be an active participant with your diabetes care team to work out the best treatment plan for your particular body chemistry. Be patient. Medications can be highly effective at controlling your diabetes now and staving off complications in the future.
As you’re swallowing your pills, keep in mind that taking medication doesn’t mean you can relax your vigilance about diet and exercise. For someone like you, whose type 2 diabetes requires treatment with medications, they remain central to a vibrant, energetic life.
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