What medications are used in management of Diabetes?
In Singapore, the common medications used in diabetes management include oral antidiabetic drugs and injectable therapies.
Metformin. This is the most commonly prescribed oral medication for type 2 diabetes in Singapore and is a first-line medication for type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood glucose levels by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity in the body. It is usually taken once or twice a day with meals. It works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
One of the most significant benefits of metformin is its ability to help lower blood sugar levels without causing hypoglycemia, which is a potentially dangerous condition that can occur when blood sugar levels drop too low. Metformin is also associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and is often prescribed to patients with diabetes who have additional risk factors for heart disease.
Common side effects of metformin include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can often be minimized by starting at a low dose and gradually increasing the dosage. In rare cases, metformin can cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is more likely to occur in individuals with kidney or liver disease.
Sulfonylureas. This class of oral medications stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin. They are typically taken once or twice a day before meals. Examples of sulfonylureas available in Singapore include glibenclamide, gliclazide, and glimepiride.
Sulfonylureas are often used as a first-line therapy for people with type 2 diabetes who cannot control their blood sugar levels with diet and exercise alone. They are also sometimes used in combination with other medications, such as metformin or insulin.
Like all medications, sulfonylureas can have side effects. The most common side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and sweating. Other side effects may include weight gain, gastrointestinal upset, and skin rash.
DPP-4 inhibitors. These oral medications work by increasing the levels of incretin hormones in the body, which stimulate insulin secretion and reduce the production of glucose in the liver. They are usually taken once a day with or without food. Examples of DPP-4 inhibitors available in Singapore include sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin.
These medications are typically used in combination with other oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Common side effects of DPP-4 inhibitors include upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
SGLT2 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors are oral medication that works by blocking the action of a protein called SGLT2 in the kidneys, which normally helps to reabsorb glucose from urine back into the bloodstream. By blocking this protein, SGLT2 inhibitors allow excess glucose to be excreted in the urine, thus lowering blood glucose levels.
Some examples of SGLT2 inhibitors available in Singapore include canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin. These medications are usually taken once daily with or without food. SGLT2 inhibitors are often used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as metformin or insulin.
SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to have several potential benefits for people with type 2 diabetes, including improved glycemic control, weight loss, and blood pressure reduction. However, they may also have some side effects, such as an increased risk of genital and urinary tract infections, hypotension, and ketoacidosis.
GLP-1 receptor agonists. These injectable medications work by mimicking the effects of incretin hormones in the body, stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucose production in the liver. They are typically taken once or twice a day, either by injection or with an insulin pen. Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists available in Singapore include liraglutide, exenatide, and dulaglutide.
GLP-1 receptor agonists can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They can also increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and thyroid cancer, although these risks are generally low.
It’s important to note that the type of medication prescribed will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of diabetes, the individual’s medical history, and their overall health status. Additionally, all medications have potential side effects and risks, so it’s important to discuss these with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
