When lifestyle changes have not produced the desired reduction in blood sugar, medications may be a necessary next step.
Insulin plays an important role in type 1 and sometimes type 2 diabetes. Insulin is injected under the skin through:
- Pens
- Syringes
- Infusion pump
In addition, there are several different types of prescription medications that are frequently used to manage type 2 diabetes.
Type of medication
|
Example
|
How the medication works
|
Additional information
|
| Biguanides |
Metformin |
Improves sensitivity to insulin in muscles; reduces output of glucose from the liver |
Glucose used more effectively; decreased glucose production from the liver |
| Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors |
Acarbose |
Affects enzymes in the digestive system to ease the rate of carbohydrate and glucose absorption |
May be used in combination with other medications |
| Insulin secretagogues |
Glyburide
Gliclazide
Glimepiride
Repaglinide
Nateglinide |
Works via the pancreas to stimulate production of insulin |
Can lower blood sugar too much, so important to watch timing of food intake |
| Thiazolidinediones |
Rosiglitazone
Pioglitazone |
Insulin sensitizer |
Concern over potential cardiovascular risk means rosiglitazone should be used with caution only in select people |
| Incretin agents |
Sitagliptin
Saxagliptin
|
Reduces activity of an enzyme that then stops certain hormonal activity, leading to increased release of insulin and decreased release of glucagon |
Newer types of medication; may reduce pre-meal and post-meal sugar levels |
There are other medications that may be required for people with diabetes who have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or neuropathy (nerve damage).
As with all medications, there are upsides and downsides to using them. Be sure you understand why you are taking your medication and how you are supposed to take it so that you can get the most from its use. It is important to not stop taking your medication or switch to another medication without first consulting your doctor.
Your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist is a valuable resource on medication management and can help answer questions you might have about diabetes medications. Click [here] to learn more about our Pharmacy Services that will help make it easier for you to refill your prescriptions.
[Ontario only] Your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist can offer a complimentary Diabetes MedsCheck and may review:
• Your medications
• Using your glucometer
• Diabetes supplies
• Nutrition
• Physical activity
