Anti-diabetic

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Anti-diabetic medication is a group of pharmaceutical drugs used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and diabetes mellitus type 1. The primary goal of anti-diabetic medications is to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

Types of Anti-diabetic Medications[edit | edit source]

There are several types of anti-diabetic medications, each with its own mechanism of action. These include:

  • Insulin: This is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It is often used in the treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
  • Sulfonylureas: These medications stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.
  • Biguanides: The most common biguanide is metformin. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improving the body's response to insulin.
  • Thiazolidinediones: These medications help insulin work better in the muscle and fat and also reduce glucose production in the liver.
  • DPP-4 inhibitors: These medications block the action of an enzyme called DPP-4, which results in an increase in insulin production and a decrease in glucose production.
  • SGLT2 inhibitors: These medications prevent the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose into the blood and instead allow it to be excreted in the urine.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Like all medications, anti-diabetic drugs can have side effects. These can include hypoglycemia, weight gain, gastrointestinal issues, and an increased risk of heart disease. It's important for individuals taking these medications to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Anti-diabetic Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD