Diabetes Type 2 Medications

Type 2 Medications: Diabetes Type 2 is a disease that affects how the body uses sugar (glucose). It can cause serious problems over time if not treated properly. People with diabetes must work with a doctor and other health care providers to control their blood sugar. This includes regular doctor visits, blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, exercise and weight loss. It is important to also manage stress because it can make it harder to follow a healthy lifestyle.

The most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. However, some people don’t have these symptoms and may go for years without being diagnosed. Untreated, high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys, eyes and nerves.

People with Type 2 diabetes often have to take medication or insulin to keep their blood sugar levels in check. Some medications help lower blood sugar, while others lower blood pressure and cholesterol or prevent heart attacks. Some of these medications are taken orally while others are injected into the bloodstream.

A healthy diet is the most important way to manage Type 2 diabetes. This includes reducing calories from sugar and other carbohydrates, eating more vegetables and fruit, whole grains, lean protein and healthful fats like avocado, nuts and vegetable oils. It is also important to eat at the same time every day and to get enough physical activity.

Many people with Type 2 diabetes can avoid or delay the onset of the disease by losing weight, exercising more and eating a healthier diet. However, the majority of people with type 2 diabetes will need to use medication to control their condition. Some may need to inject insulin, while others take oral medications such as metformin.

The best medications for Type 2 diabetes are those that are used regularly and that work with the person’s unique needs. Some of these include:

Metformin is the first-line medication for most people with Type 2. This medicine lowers blood sugar and improves how the body responds to insulin. Other medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes include:

Sulfonylureas – These are oral medicines that stimulate the pancreas to increase insulin production. Examples of sulfonylureas include gliclazide, glipizide, glimepiride and tolbutamide.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors – These medicines slow digestion and help reduce blood sugar. Examples of DPP-4 inhibitors include sitagliptin, vildagliptin and linagliptin.

SGLT2 inhibitors – These medicines help the kidneys remove sugar from the body through urine. Examples of SGLT2 inhibitors are canagliflozin and dapagliflozin.

People with Type 2 diabetes should monitor their blood sugar using a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring system and see their doctor for regular checks of their blood pressure, cholesterol, and eyes. They should also visit a foot specialist to look for problems such as sores and infections. Those with diabetes should also learn to manage stress, since it can cause problems with blood sugar and heart health. They should find ways to relieve stress, such as through yoga or deep breathing.