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

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...

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Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides

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...

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DPP-IV Inhibitors

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...

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GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

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...

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Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors

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...

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Thiazolidinediones

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...

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SGLT2 Inhibitors

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...

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