When it comes to non-insulin medications that treat type 2 diabetes, there are a lot of options. Read on to learn more about these medications, as well as factors that play into which one is right for you.
Non-insulin medications that treat type 2 diabetes
Several classes of medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Metformin is generally the preferred initial medicationTrusted Source for treating type 2 diabetes unless there’s a specific reason not to use it. Metformin is effective, safe, and inexpensive. It may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Metformin has beneficial effects when it comes to reducing A1CTrusted Source. It may also help with weight management. It works by reducing the amount of glucose your liver produces.
Other classes of diabetes medications are also available, each with its own risks and benefits.
Sulfonylurea
Medications in this class include glipizide, glyburide, and glimepiride. These medications can be inexpensive but may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and weight gain.
Insulin sensitizer
This medication, pioglitazone, is effective and has no risk of hypoglycemia. However, it may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and weight gain.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists
Several types of this medication are available, including exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon), liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), and dulaglutide (Trulicity). Some of these medications are given by daily injection, and others by weekly injection.
Semglutides, like Ozempic, are also given by weekly injection.
An oral form of semaglutide (Rybelsus) can be taken once per day. This type of medication is effective and may benefit the heart and help with weight loss. But it may also cause side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea.
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors)
Several medications are available in this class. They’re all brand-name drugs, including sitagliptin (Januvia), saxagliptin (Onglyza), and linagliptin (Tradjenta).
They’re all easy-to-use, well-tolerated oral medications you take once a day. They have a mild effect on reducing blood sugar levels. Mainly, they reduce postmeal blood sugar levelsTrusted Source.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
This medication, acarbose, is rarely used. It decreases carbohydrate absorption, but gastrointestinal side effects are commonTrusted Source.
