Type 2 Diabetes
List of medications for Type 2 Diabetes
Alpha glucosidase inhibitors
These drugs act to inhibit the function of alpha glucosidase enzymes. This enzyme is found in the small intestine and is used to allow for the absorption of glucose. This controls blood glucose levels by decreasing the amount of glucose being absorbed by the intestines.
Metformin combination drugs
Dopamine Agonists
Dopamine agonists are another class of drugs used to control Type II diabetes. This is used in conjunction with insulin to increase the sensitivity of insulin. It is believed to prevent the liver from making extra glucose helping control blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
DPP-4 Inhibitors
DPP-4 inhibitors are another class of diabetes medications that are relatively new. These drugs are typically used when more common Type II diabetes drugs like metformin do not sufficiently control blood glucose levels.
Meglitinides
These drugs are taken before meals and are fast acting. They help the insulin producing cells of the pancreas to produce more insulin.
SGLT 2 inhibitors
These drugs inhibit SGLT2, an enzyme involved in glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. By inhibiting their function, these drugs help control blood glucose levels by excreting excess glucose in the urine.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas stimulate the release of insulin from the insulin producing cells of the pancreas.
Thiazolidinediones
Thiazolidinediones are another class of drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes, whose function is to stimulate the storage of fatty acids in the circulation, decreasing their utilization for energy. This stimulates the body to use more glucose to help fuel the body, by using up more glucose, it allows the body to control excess levels of glucose.