Medications

Here we have provided some videos and information about the common type 2 diabetic drugs which may be given by your doctor

Metformin

  • Increases body's sensitivity to insulin which helps to lower blood sugar levels.

  • Taken as a tablet once a day (500mg) initially, the gradually increased over 2 months to reduce the risk of any tummy upsets and feeling of sickness.

  • If you are having trouble with doses or side-effects please contact your GP for advice.

  • Might not be given to you, if you have kidney problems.

  • Does not cause hypoglycaemic attacks (dangerously low blood sugar levels which can cause symptoms such as, difficulty concentrating, sweating, tremors, behaviour changes and confusion.

  • Can help with weight loss.


DPP-4 Inhibitors

  • Include Sitagliptin, Vildagliptin etc. (end in -gliptin).

  • Blocks an enzyme (chemical in the body) which breaks down a hormone called GLP-1.

  • GLP-1 levels increase, causing the pancreas to release more insulin- this lowers blood glucose levels.

  • Taken as a tablet once a day.

  • Very minimal side effects and does not cause hypoglycaemic attacks.

GLP-1 receptor agonists

  • Include semaglutide (Ozempic), dulaglutide (Trulicity) and exenatide (Bydureon).

  • When you eat, this drug slows stomach emptying and signals to the brain that you are full. Causes smaller food portions and helps to lose weight.

  • Also increases the amount of insulin released.

  • Taken as an injection (into tummy fat or back of arm fat) once a week (semaglutide) usually.

  • Eat a low fat diet when on this medication and limit how much alcohol you are having.

SGLT2 inhibitors

  • These are drugs such as dapaglifozin and empaglifozin (note they all end in -glifozin).

  • that these are very effective in managing T2DM, as well as, conditions such as heart failure as an added bonus.

  • compounds that make this drug come from the apple tree bark.

  • Helps to prevent glucose (sugar) being reabsorbed by the kidneys. This means that you pee out more glucose.

  • You may pee a volume of an additional can of coke a day, but get rid of the amount of sugar in a mars bar per day !

  • You should clean and wipe the genital area after going to the loo. This helps remove any sugar around the site and helps prevent any infections such as thrush and urine infections from occurring down below. However, if you notice any pain or something not quite right please arrange to see your doctor.