Type 2 diabetes is a common health condition that affects an estimated 463 million people worldwide. It’s a chronic condition in which your body can’t produce enough insulin, or can’t use it effectively. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
Fortunately, there are numerous medicines available to help control type 2 diabetes. The best medicine for type 2 diabetes depends on a person’s individual needs and medical history. Here, we’ll look at some of the most commonly prescribed medicines for type 2 diabetes and their potential side effects.
Metformin
Metformin is a popular diabetes medicine that has been used to treat type 2 diabetes since the 1950s. It works by helping your body process and use insulin more effectively. It also helps reduce your risk of developing long-term diabetes complications, such as heart disease and stroke.
Metformin is usually the first medicine prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. It’s relatively inexpensive, easy to take, and generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort, but these side effects usually dissipate after a few weeks of taking the medicine.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are another type of diabetes medicine that can help control type 2 diabetes. They work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. They’re typically prescribed when metformin isn’t enough to control a person’s blood sugar levels.
The most commonly prescribed sulfonylureas include glimepiride, glipizide, and glyburide. They’re usually taken once a day and can cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and stomach discomfort. Additionally, they can cause low blood sugar levels if taken with other medicines, such as insulin.
DPP-4 Inhibitors
DPP-4 inhibitors are a newer type of diabetes medicine that can help control type 2 diabetes. They work by blocking the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4, which breaks down certain proteins that are important for regulating blood sugar levels. This helps keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Common DPP-4 inhibitors include sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin. These medicines are usually taken once a day and are generally well-tolerated. They can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and diarrhea, but these side effects are usually mild and don’t last long.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a type of diabetes medicine that can help control type 2 diabetes. They work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin and also help reduce appetite. This helps keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Common GLP-1 receptor agonists include liraglutide, exenatide, and albiglutide. They’re usually taken once a day and can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness. However, these side effects are usually mild and don’t last long.
Insulin
Insulin is a type of diabetes medicine that can help control type 2 diabetes. It’s usually prescribed when other medicines don’t work, or when a person’s blood sugar levels are very high. Insulin helps the body use glucose more efficiently, which helps keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Insulin can come in different forms, including injections, inhalers, and nasal sprays. Common side effects include weight gain, low blood sugar levels, and skin irritation where the injection was given. However, these side effects are usually mild and can be managed with lifestyle adjustments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are numerous medicines available to help control type 2 diabetes. The best medicine for type 2 diabetes depends on a person’s individual needs and medical history. Metformin is usually the first medicine prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. Other common medicines include sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and insulin. If you have type 2 diabetes and are considering taking a medicine, talk to your doctor about which one is right for you.