What are the medications for treating diabetes?
Nov 14, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, medications for treating diabetes include metformin hydrochloride tablets, glimepiride capsules, acarbose tablets, repaglinide, pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets, etc. It is recommended to select appropriate drugs under the guidance of a physician based on individual patient conditions, pancreatic function, blood glucose levels, and other factors. Meanwhile, blood glucose levels should be closely monitored during medication use, and treatment plans should be adjusted promptly as needed.
Generally, medications for treating diabetes include metformin hydrochloride tablets, glimepiride capsules, acarbose tablets, repaglinide, pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets, and others. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific details are as follows:
1. Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets
Metformin hydrochloride tablets are used in patients with type II diabetes whose blood glucose is not adequately controlled by diet alone, especially those who are obese or have hyperinsulinemia. The drug not only lowers blood glucose but may also help reduce body weight and improve hyperinsulinemia. Treatment typically starts at a low dose, gradually increasing based on blood glucose levels. However, possible adverse reactions include flushing, palpitations, and unstable angina.
2. Glimepiride Capsules
Glimepiride capsules belong to the sulfonylurea class of oral hypoglycemic agents and are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its primary mechanism for lowering blood glucose is stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and partially improving peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin. Possible side effects include dizziness, fatigue, headache, and nausea.
3. Acarbose Tablets
Acarbose tablets are α-glucosidase inhibitors that delay the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, thereby reducing postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose spikes. They are particularly suitable for patients whose diets are high in carbohydrates or who experience significant post-meal glucose elevation. Common side effects include abdominal bloating, increased bowel sounds, and increased flatulence; occasionally diarrhea or abdominal pain may occur.
4. Repaglinide Tablets
Repaglinide tablets are a new class of non-sulfonylurea short-acting oral insulin secretagogues that rapidly lower blood glucose by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas. It binds to different receptors, closing ATP-dependent potassium channels in β-cell membranes, leading to β-cell depolarization, opening of calcium channels, increased calcium influx, and subsequent insulin secretion. Possible side effects include anxiety, dizziness, sweating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
5. Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Tablets
Pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets are thiazolidinedione-class antidiabetic drugs that enhance insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues and inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis, thereby helping control blood glucose, reduce lipid levels, and lower circulating insulin concentrations. Potential adverse reactions include edema, gastrointestinal discomfort, liver function abnormalities, and decreased bone mineral density.
There are many types of diabetes medications available. Selection should be based on individual patient factors such as specific condition, pancreatic function, and blood glucose levels, and made under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Additionally, blood glucose levels should be closely monitored during treatment, and therapy adjusted promptly as needed.
