Although lifestyle changes are essential for people with type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications as well.









Managing Type 2 Diabetes
type2-diabetes-info.com
Setting Goals & Working With Your
Doctor to Manage Type 2 Diabetes.
 



Sometimes people with type 2 diabetes are able to bring their blood glucose levels under control through a combination of weight loss, diet, and exercise, but many people with diabetes take medication to manage their condition. For some, a single medication is effective, while in other cases a combination of medications works better.
There are many drugs available to treat type 2 diabetes. Your diabetes care team can help you understand the differences among the medications on this long list, and will explain how you take them, what they do, and what side effects they may cause. Your doctor will discuss your specific situation and your options for adding one or more medications to your treatment.
Types of Medication
The various type 2 diabetes medicines work in different ways to lower blood glucose levels. Below is an overview of the types of medication now available and how they work. Note that these drugs have many different names depending on what company manufactures them. Researchers continue to look for new and effective medications.
The most commonly prescribed oral medication for type 2 diabetes is metformin, which belongs to a family of drugs called biguanides. It works by decreasing the amount of sugar your liver releases, and by helping your body to use its own insulin more efficiently. Metformin is prescribed frequently because it has been found to help prevent many of the long-term complications of diabetes.

Here are the other types of oral medication your doctor may choose to prescribe to treat type 2 diabetes:
  • Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors These drugs work by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood after meals. While they don't cause weight gain, side effects may include stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea.
  • Biguanides These decrease the amount of glucose released from the liver and help improve your body's sensitivity to insulin. While this type of drug may promote modest weight loss and a slight decline in "bad" cholesterol, side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and (rarely) the harmful buildup of lactic acid.
  • DPP-4 inhibitors These drugs stimulate the release of insulin and inhibit the release of glucose from the liver. Known side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat, headache, and inflammation of the pancreas.
  • Meglitinides These medications work quickly to stimulate the release of insulin. Possible side effects include severe low blood sugar, weight gain, nausea, back pain, and headache.
  • Sulfonylureas These drugs stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. While the medication does work quickly, it may cause severe low blood sugar, weight gain, nausea, and skin rashes.
  • TZD Otherwise known as or thiazolidinedione, this helps improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin and may slightly increase "good" cholesterol levels. Side effects can be serious, including heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and liver disease.
Injectible medications include:
  • Amylin mimetic This type of medication stimulates the release of insulin, and is used along with insulin injections. It may also help suppress hunger and promote weight loss. Side effects can include low blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, headache, and redness and irritation at the injection site.
  • Incretin mimetic These drugs also stimulate the release of insulin, and are used in conjunction with biguanides and sulfonylureas. They may suppress hunger and promote modest weight loss, but can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and kidney damage or failure. 
Some of the medications above are available in combination form. Combination medications can be highly effective and may make it easier for you to stick to your diabetes treatment plan. But if you do experience side effects, it can be tougher to figure out which medication is to blame.
A Multipronged Care Plan
Remember that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and the right medication are all critical to managing type 2 diabetes. You’ll be working closely with your care team to determine which medication or combination of medications works best for you.