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For people with typ2 Diabetes, choosing the proper types of hypoglycemic medicines is very important. Clinically, there are several types of hypoglycemic medicines that are used in treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Clinically, which type of hypoglycemic medicines will be prescribed by doctors based on their body mass index(BMI), beta cell function, liver and kidney function and whether the patient has any accompanying diseases. The following will introduce about several main types of hypoglycemic medicines so to help you have a clear understanding.
1. Sulfonylurea drugs
Sulfonylurea drugs mainly include Gliclazide, Glipizide, glyburide, glimepiride, etc. Those medicines mainly function to lower blood sugar levels by combining beta cells on pancreatic beta cell membrane and promoting the secretion of insulin.
If people choose Sulfonylurea medicines, they will need not to delay their meals. Not taking the medicines timely or improperly intensifying labor activity may easily cause hypoglycemia. Side effects of the Sulfonylurea medicines mainly include gastrointestinal tract symptoms-vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, skin itching, etc. 95% of the residuals of gliquidones are discharged through gastrointestinal tract, so it is suitable for people who have slight to moderate renal insufficiency. As Sulfonylurea medicines easily cause weight gain, people on those medicines will have to control their diet and do exercise more carefully.
2. Biguanide hypoglycemic medicines
Biguanide medicines can increase utilization of blood sugar from peripheral tissues, reduce sugar absorption from gastrointestinal tract and inhibit gluconeogenesis in liver or kidneys. In addition, the medicines also function in lowering blood lipids, blood pressure, body weight and improving blood concentration in people with Diabetes.
Biguanide medicines are suitable for early stage Diabetes or Diabetics who are overweight. Severest side effect of Biguanides is lactic acidosis, which is most commonly seen in those who use phenformin. Because Biguanide medicines are mainly discharged out of the body by the kidneys, so it is not suggested when people develop moderate to severe Renal Insufficiency.
3. α-glycosidase inhibitors
α-glycosidase inhibitors mainly include acarbose and voglibose. The medicines mainly function to lower blood glucose by inhibiting activity of α-glycosidase and delaying absorption of foods especially carbohydrates. The most common side effects of α-glycosidase inhibitors are in gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhea, abdominal distension, abdominal pains, etc. Because those medicines are seldom absorbed into blood, so they are safe for people who have liver or renal dysfunction.
Other types of hypoglycemic medicines also include Thiazole TZD hypoglycemic medicines and some short-acting medicines to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia. People with Type 2 Diabetes with different specific illness condition may be prescribed different types of medicines to control their blood glucose. Regular monitoring helps to confirm whether your blood sugar is controlled well. If you find sugar levels fluctuate obviously, or experience any discomfort/symptom, you will be suggested to communicate with your doctor to make some necessary medicine or dietary modifications. For similar questions, you may also contact us directly.
