Medicine management

It is very important for people with Type 2 diabetes to lower their blood glucose. This is because it reduces the risk of long-term health problems.

Many people can manage their Type 2 diabetes through diet and lifestyle changes. Some people with Type 2 diabetes take medicine to help control their blood glucose. Some people with Type 2 diabetes will need to take more than one type of medicine.

Metformin is commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It is a tablet that is swallowed. It is used along with diet and exercise to reduce blood glucose levels.

Metformin also helps to prevent Type 2 diabetes in people who are at high risk of developing it.

Metformin works in two ways.

1. It helps the liver stop producing and releasing new glucose into the bloodstream.
2. It helps insulin move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle cells better. This helps to overcome insulin resistance.

Sulphonylureas are another common treatment for Type 2 diabetes. These tablets are given when a Metformin cannot be given.

Sulphonylureas control blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes by stimulating the production of insulin in the pancreas. They also increase the effectiveness of insulin in the body.

Other treatments for Type 2 diabetes are:

• Thiazolidinediones
• DPP-4 inhibitors
• GLP-1 agonists
• SGLT2 inhibitors
• Meglitinides
• Insulin