Different Types of Diabetes Medications

Most people aren’t aware, but Singapore has one of the highest numbers of diabetics worldwide. In fact, according to a 2015 study, 10.53% of adults have diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes. Although dietary changes and exercise can improve blood sugar levels, diabetics need to take insulin and non-insulin medications to avoid complications of the disease.

If you are a type 2 diabetic, you will most likely be prescribed one of the following medications.

Metformin

Most type 2 diabetics in Singapore are given prescriptions of metformin because it is very effective in improving sensitivity to and the use of insulin in the body. Additionally, it controls glucose production but does not necessarily lower blood sugar levels.

The patient still needs to observe a strict diet and exercise for metformin to be effective. The side effects, diarrhea and nausea, are also mild and will usually go away after several weeks.

DPP-4 Inhibitors

If you do not want to gain weight, this type of medication is recommended to help reduce blood sugar levels. It’s not as effective, however, as the diabetes medications that can cause some people to gain weight.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

This medication is only prescribed along with other drugs because it cannot be effective all by itself. There is a risk of developing pancreatitis and experiencing frequent nausea, but it can lower blood sugar levels and slow digestion, so the person wouldn’t always feel so hungry.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

The side effects of this medication can be pretty nasty, such as urinary tract infections, yeast infection, and hypotension. But it is effective in preventing reabsorption of sugar into the blood by the kidneys. The result is that the sugar is excreted by the diabetic in the urine.

Meglitinides

Meglitinides help the patient’s pancreas produce more insulin, however, they have a better effect than the sulfonylureas although the lasting effect is much shorter. If sulfonylureas do not work on you or you experience nasty side effects, meglitinides are your second-best option.

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas help your body produce more insulin by releasing more beta cells in the pancreas, but it can cause weight gain among patients and even low blood sugar level. These were also the first medications for diabetes that were developed.

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones help the body use insulin more effectively, but it is not usually prescribed among diabetics because the side effects can be serious. It has been known to cause weight fain, fractures, and heart failure.

Insulin Therapy

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes will need insulin therapy. How insulin will be given depends on the patient and the severity of the condition. Insulin is usually administered through injections and may be a combination of different insulin types. In the market, you will find the following types of insulin: lispro, glargine, glulisine, aspart, detemir, and isophane.