Oral Medications and Non-Insulin Injectables
There are many oral medicines (pills) and non-insulin injections that lower blood glucose in Type 2 diabetes.
Metformin
Who? Metformin is a commonly recommended initial medication for patients with type 2 diabetes who have mild to moderately uncontrolled blood glucose. In addition, it is sometimes used to prevent diabetes in patients who are at risk of developing the disease (though it...
Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides
Who? Sulfonylureas and meglitinides are recommended for persons with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled blood glucose levels. On average, most patients find that their Hb A1c levels drop by up to 1.5% on these medications. What? Oral tablets - sulfonylureas...
DPP-IV Inhibitors
Who?DPP-IV inhibitors are recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled blood glucose and high Hb A1c levels. On average, most patients find that their A1c levels drop by 0.5-1.0% on these medications.What?Oral tabletsA few types of DPP-IV...
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Who? GLP-1 agonists, also known as incretin mimetics, are recommended for persons with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled blood glucose and high Hb A1c levels. On average, most patients find that their HbA1c levels drop by as much as 0.5-1.5% on these...
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
Who?Alpha glucosidase inhibitors are recommended for persons with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled blood glucose despite using other diabetic medications. These are typically not first-line, but can be used in special situations. On average, most patients...
Thiazolidinediones
Who? Thiazolidinediones are recommended for persons with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled blood glucose and high Hb A1c levels. What? Oral tablet - There are two types of thiazolidinediones that are currently available: Pioglitazone (marketed as...
SGLT2 Inhibitors
Who? Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of drugs recommended for persons with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled blood glucose and high HbA1c levels.What? Taken as an oral tablet.There are three types of SGLT2...