Type 2 Medications
With this type of diabetes, there may be several options for treatment including pills, injectable medications, or insulin.Different types of diabetes can be managed in different ways. This section discusses treatments for Type 2 Diabetes. If you are not familiar with the types of diabetes, it will be helpful to view Types of Diabetes
Medicines and Pandemic
Managing diabetes during a pandemic presents unique challenges for patients. With so many changes to normal routines, it is important to identify a plan to maintain access to medications and devices for optimal control of diabetes. The keys to succeed during this time...
Overview of Type 2 Diabetes Therapies
If you have type 2 diabetes, chances are your doctor has recommended lifestyle changes to improve your blood glucose control. But what happens when diet and exercise aren’t enough? When diabetes medications are needed, health care providers generally have many...
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...
Insulin Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes
The decision to take insulin is never an easy one. For many patients, it comes after years of having type 2 diabetes and trying multiple weight-loss regimens, diets, and oral medications. For other patients, the decision to take insulin is made...
Basal Insulins (Intermediate and Long-Acting)
Who?Intermediate- and long-acting (basal) insulins are recommended for patients with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. They may also be used in other types of diabetes (i.e. steroid-induced).Persons with type 1 diabetes generally use...
Bolus Insulins (Short-Acting and Rapid-Acting)
Who? Short-acting (Regular) and rapid-acting insulins (Aspart, Lispro, Glulisine) are recommended for patients with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. They may also be used in other types of diabetes. Persons with type 1 diabetes often use insulin regular or...
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...