The key to treating type 2 diabetes is to make good lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight. To keep your blood sugar, commonly known as glucose, at a healthy level, you might also need to take medicine. Sometimes one drug like Jardiance Generic is sufficient. Other times, combining different drugs yields superior results.
There is a lengthy and often complex list of drugs for type 2 diabetes. Learn everything you can about these medications, including how to use them, what they do, and any potential adverse effects. That might help you prepare ready to discuss the diabetes treatment options that are best for you with your healthcare physician.
When should medicine be considered?
The age at which type 2 diabetes first appears, for example, will determine whether or not blood-sugar-reducing medication is appropriate. Many elderly adults with type 2 diabetes have slightly elevated blood sugar levels compared to normal, but they are not harmful. Rarely do nerve and blood vessel damage result from type 2 diabetes when it first manifests at a later age. The severity of other illnesses, such as high blood pressure, is typically greater.
You will likely have type 2 diabetes for a considerable time if you were diagnosed with it at approximately age 40 or 50. Consequently, even mildly elevated blood sugar levels over time might result in various issues. Therefore, lowering blood sugar levels with Jardiance is crucial for type 2 diabetics who are younger.
The therapy is to stop diabetes from developing into other health issues. Damage to blood arteries and neurons can result from persistently high blood sugar levels. Medical conditions affecting the kidneys, foot, and retina may develop from it. There might be an increase in the risk of heart attack or stroke.
What Are Medicines Used in Medical Management for Type 2 Diabetes?
Effective management of type 2 diabetes often involves lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, but medications for many patients.
Metformin
It works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and enhancing the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. It helps the body use glucose more effectively, lowering blood sugar levels.
Sulfonylureas
Drugs like glimepiride, glipizide, and glyburide belong to the class of sulfonylureas. However, a possible side effect of sulfonylureas is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Thiazolidinediones
Also known as glitazones, these medications, including pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, work by making the body’s cells more sensitive to insulin. However, they arrive with a warning of possible heart-related issues and are less used today.
DPP-4 Inhibitors
Sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin are examples of DPP-4 inhibitors, which work- by blocking the action of an enzyme called DPP-4, thereby increasing insulin production and decreasing glucose production in the liver.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Medications such as exenatide and liraglutide mimic a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1. These medications slow down digestion, helping to decrease blood sugar spikes after meals and stimulating insulin secretion.
SGLT2 Inhibitors
Drugs like canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin belong to this class. They work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, leading to the excretion of excess glucose through urine.
Insulin Therapy
In more advanced stages of type 2 diabetes or when other medications fail to control blood sugar effectively, insulin therapy may be required. Different types of insulin are available, including rapid-acting, long-acting, and intermediate options.