Endocrine Research Society
Controlling Hyperglycemia | Anti-Diabetic Medications
What are SGLT2 Inhibitors?
Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors are a class of medication used to manage type 2 diabetes. It works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the blood. Some current examples of SGLT2 inhibitors are:
1. Jardiance (empagliflozin)
2. Forxiga (dapagliflozin)
3. Invokana (canagliflozin)
​
Watch the video below to learn more about SGLT2 inhibitors.
What are Incretins?
Incretins used for type 2 diabetes are medications that promote the release of insulin into the blood. Insulin is typically released after meal to help control blood sugars. Some examples of current incretin drugs are:
1. Victoza (liraglutide)
2. Januvia, Janumet (sitagliptin)
3. Trajenta (linagliptin)
4. Ozempic (semaglutide)
​
Watch the video below to learn more incretin medications:
What are Sulfonylureas?
Sulfonylureas are a class of anti-diabetic medication that targets the pancreas to increase insulin release. This helps will lowering blood sugars in someone with type 2 diabetes. Common sulfonylureas that one may encounter are:
1. Diamicron (gliclazide)
2. Diabeta (glyburide)
3. Amaryl (glimepiride)
​
Watch the video below to learn more about sulfonylureas:
What are Biguanides?
Biguanides are often prescribed as a first line treatment for type 2 diabetes. These drugs work by acting on the liver, an important organ that produces glucose naturally in the body. They also work to sensitize the body cells to insulin to decrease one's blood sugars. The mostly common prescribed biguanide is metformin.
​
Watch the video below to learn more about metformin:
Treating Type 2 Diabetes when Dealing when Sick
If you have type 2 diabetes and are dealing with other illnesses, it's even more important to monitor your blood sugars. You may also need to adjust your medication depending on your other symptoms.
​
To learn more about how other illnesses can affect someone with type 2 diabetes, watch the video below.