What are the medications for blood sugar?

Nov 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, blood glucose-lowering medications refer to antidiabetic drugs, including glimepiride capsules, metformin hydrochloride tablets, repaglinide tablets, acarbose tablets, and pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets. When using these medications, it is essential to follow medical instructions, use the drugs appropriately, and regularly monitor blood glucose levels to adjust dosages accordingly. Additionally, maintaining proper dietary control and engaging in regular physical exercise are also important methods for managing blood glucose levels.

Generally speaking, blood sugar medications refer to hypoglycemic agents, including glimepiride capsules, metformin hydrochloride tablets, repaglinide tablets, acarbose tablets, and pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Glimepiride Capsules

Glimepiride capsules belong to the sulfonylurea class of oral hypoglycemic agents and can promote insulin secretion, making them suitable for patients whose pancreatic function is still present. Possible adverse reactions include dizziness, fatigue, headache, and nausea.

2. Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets

Metformin hydrochloride tablets increase the peripheral tissues' sensitivity to insulin, reduce hepatic glycogen output, and decrease gastrointestinal absorption of carbohydrates. The dosage can be started at a low level and gradually increased based on blood glucose levels. However, adverse reactions such as hot flashes, palpitations, and unstable angina may occur.

3. Repaglinide Tablets

Repaglinide tablets are a new class of non-sulfonylurea short-acting oral insulin secretagogues that rapidly lower blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas. They can also bind to different receptors to close ATP-dependent potassium channels in β-cell membranes, causing β-cell depolarization, opening calcium channels, increasing calcium influx, and inducing insulin secretion from β-cells. Possible side effects include anxiety, dizziness, sweating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

4. Acarbose Tablets

Acarbose tablets are α-glucosidase inhibitors that inhibit α-glucosidase activity in the brush border of small intestinal cells, delaying the degradation of polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, or disaccharides in the intestine, thereby reducing postprandial blood glucose levels. Possible adverse effects include bloating, increased bowel sounds, increased flatulence, and occasionally diarrhea and abdominal pain.

5. Pioglitazone Hydrochloride Tablets

Pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets are thiazolidinedione-class hypoglycemic agents that increase peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin, inhibit hepatic glycogen gluconeogenesis, and thereby control blood glucose levels while lowering lipid and circulating insulin levels. Possible adverse reactions include edema, gastrointestinal discomfort, abnormal liver function, and decreased bone mineral density.

When using hypoglycemic drugs, it is essential to follow medical advice, use medications appropriately, and regularly monitor blood glucose levels to adjust drug dosages. At the same time, dietary control and physical exercise are also important methods for managing blood sugar levels.