Would you like to know which medicines are used to treat diabetes? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know about diabetes medicine.
The term “diabetes medicine” refers to medications used to treat and manage diabetes, a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood sugar levels.
In addition to controlling blood sugar levels, healthcare professionals prescribe these medications to prevent or manage diabetes-related complications and side effects.
10 Diabetes Medicine Name List
There are several types of diabetes medications that can be categorized based on their mechanism of action. Below are some examples of diabetes medicine and their generic names (salts):
- Metformin (Biguanides): Metformin reduces liver glucose production, improves insulin sensitivity, and lowers blood sugar levels.
- Sulfonylureas: These medications stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, such as glipizide, glimepiride, and glyburide.
- Meglitinides: Similar to sulfonylureas, meglitinides also stimulate insulin release from the pancreas but have a shorter action duration. Examples include repaglinide and nateglinide.
- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs): These medications improve insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat cells. Examples include pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.
- Gliptins (DPP-4 Inhibitors): Gliptins stimulate insulin release and reduce glucagon production by increasing levels of incretin hormones. Examples are sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin.
- SGLT2 Inhibitors: These medications lower blood sugar by increasing glucose excretion through the urine. Examples include canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin.
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: GLP-1 agonists mimic the action of GLP-1, an incretin hormone that stimulates insulin release and reduces appetite. Examples include exenatide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide.
- Insulin: Insulin therapy is used to treat both type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes. There are various types of insulin, including rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulins.
- Amylin Analog: Pramlintide is an injectable medication that mimics the effects of amylin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Combination Medications: These medications combine multiple classes of diabetes medications into one pill. For instance, some combine metformin with a DPP-4 inhibitor.
Depending on where you live, these medications may have different brand names. Since my last update in August 2023, new drugs may have been developed. The latest and most personalized information regarding diabetes medications should always be obtained from a healthcare professional.
I recommend that you consult a doctor if you have diabetes and wish to stay healthy by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have by commenting. Thanks