What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a type of chronic disease in which your body does not produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It is the most common form of diabetes and affects millions of people worldwide. People with type 2 diabetes may experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and increased appetite. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and even death.
Types of Medications for Type 2 Diabetes
There are many different types of medications available to treat type 2 diabetes. These medications are divided into two main categories: oral medications and injectable medications. Oral medications are typically taken in pill form, while injectable medications are injected directly into the body.
Oral Medications
Oral medications are the most common type of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by helping your body to produce more insulin or to make the body more sensitive to the insulin it already produces. Some of the most common types of oral medications used to treat type 2 diabetes are: biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and thiazolidinediones.
Biguanides
Biguanides are a type of oral medication that helps your body to produce more insulin. Examples of biguanides include metformin and glipizide.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are a type of oral medication that helps your body to be more sensitive to the insulin it already produces. Examples of sulfonylureas include glimepiride and glipizide.
Meglitinides
Meglitinides are a type of oral medication that helps your body to produce more insulin. Examples of meglitinides include nateglinide and repaglinide.
Thiazolidinediones
Thiazolidinediones are a type of oral medication that helps your body to be more sensitive to the insulin it already produces. Examples of thiazolidinediones include rosiglitazone and pioglitazone.
Injectable Medications
Injectable medications are another type of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. These medications are injected directly into the body and help to regulate blood sugar levels. Some of the most common types of injectable medications used to treat type 2 diabetes are: insulin, GLP-1 agonists, and SGLT-2 inhibitors.
Insulin
Insulin is a type of injectable medication that helps your body to produce more insulin. Examples of insulin include rapid-acting insulin, long-acting insulin, and premixed insulin.
GLP-1 Agonists
GLP-1 agonists are a type of injectable medication that helps your body to be more sensitive to the insulin it already produces. Examples of GLP-1 agonists include liraglutide and exenatide.
SGLT-2 Inhibitors
SGLT-2 inhibitors are a type of injectable medication that helps your body to excrete more glucose in the urine. Examples of SGLT-2 inhibitors include canagliflozin and dapagliflozin.
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. There are many different types of medications available to treat type 2 diabetes, including oral medications and injectable medications. It is important to speak to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.