Diabetes medicine list
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Comprehensive Overview of Diabetes Medicines
Essential Diabetes Medicines and Health Outcomes
Diabetes is a significant global health issue, ranking as the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. Improving access to essential diabetes medicines is crucial for reducing mortality rates. A study examining 127 countries found that the inclusion of diabetes medicines on national essential medicines lists (NEMLs) varies significantly, impacting population health outcomes related to diabetes mortality.
Diabetes Medicines in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), the selection of diabetes medicines on NEMLs is a critical step towards ensuring adequate access to diabetes care. A survey of 32 LMICs revealed that nearly all countries included fast-acting and intermediate-acting insulin, as well as oral medications like glibenclamide and metformin, as essential medicines. The median number of essential diabetes medicines was six, equally divided between insulins and oral medications. However, the selection of insulin analogues was less common, with only 20% of countries including them. The study also found that countries with a higher burden of diabetes and greater wealth tended to select a higher number of essential diabetes medicines.
Pharmacological Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
Pharmacological therapies have been explored for their potential to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. Randomized controlled trials have shown that oral hypoglycemic agents such as metformin, acarbose, and troglitazone, as well as the anti-obesity drug orlistat, can reduce the incidence of diabetes. However, the evidence for other drug classes like statins, fibrates, antihypertensive agents, and estrogen remains inconclusive. The critical question of whether these drugs prevent or merely delay the onset of diabetes is still unresolved.
Plant-Derived Alkaloids and Traditional Medicines
Plant-derived alkaloids have shown promise in managing diabetes and its complications. Alkaloids such as berberine, boldine, and sanguinarine have demonstrated potential effectiveness against various diabetic models. Traditional medicinal plants, used globally for managing diabetes, include species like Momordica charantia, Syzygium cumini, and Allium sativum. These plants contain compounds with antidiabetic properties, such as momordicoside, cuminoside, and S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide, which act through different mechanisms to manage blood glucose levels .
Recent Advances in Anti-Diabetic Medications
Recent advancements in anti-diabetic medications have expanded the list of available treatments. Seven major types of anti-diabetic drugs include PPAR agonists, PTP1B inhibitors, aldose reductase inhibitors, α-glucosidase inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, GPCR agonists, and SGLT inhibitors. These drugs offer various mechanisms of action, providing multiple options for personalized diabetes management.
Conclusion
The management of diabetes involves a diverse range of medicines, from essential insulins and oral hypoglycemic agents to plant-derived alkaloids and advanced pharmacological therapies. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of these medicines, particularly in LMICs, is crucial for improving health outcomes. Continued research and development of new anti-diabetic agents, along with the integration of traditional medicinal plants, hold promise for more effective diabetes management strategies.
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