Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Treatments
Some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve their target blood glucose levels with diet and exercise alone, but many also need diabetes medications.
Most medications for type 2 diabetes are oral medications. Some come as injections, including insulin.
People with type 2 diabetes are often treated with oral medications. Some people with type 2 diabetes need insulin therapy. In the past, insulin therapy was used as a last resort, but today it is often prescribed sooner because of its benefits.
The classes of oral medications used to treat type 2 diabetes include: metformin, sulphonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones (TZD). The types of injections used to treat type 2 diabetes include GLP-1 receptor agonists, and insulin.
Besides taking medications aimed at achieving target blood glucose levels, it is also important to maintain a healthy blood pressure and blood cholesterol. Medications may be required to do this.
People with diabetes should undergo a yearly eye and foot screening. This will allow eye and foot problems to be detected and treated early.
