List of medicines for diabetes
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Comprehensive List of Medicines for Diabetes
Oral Antidiabetic Medications
Metformin
Metformin is widely recognized as the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas, such as glibenclamide, tolbutamide, and gliclazide, stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. These medications are effective but can cause hypoglycemia and weight gain.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors
DPP-4 inhibitors, including sitagliptin, are used to improve blood glucose control by increasing incretin levels, which inhibit glucagon release and increase insulin secretion .
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors
SGLT-2 inhibitors, such as empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin, work by preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to glucose excretion in the urine. These drugs also have cardiovascular benefits .
Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, including acarbose, miglitol, and voglibose, delay carbohydrate absorption in the intestines, thereby reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes .
Injectable Antidiabetic Medications
Insulin
Insulin therapy is essential for type 1 diabetes and often used in advanced type 2 diabetes. Various formulations, including rapid-acting, long-acting, and premixed insulins, are available to manage blood glucose levels effectively.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide, exenatide, and dulaglutide, enhance insulin secretion, inhibit glucagon release, and slow gastric emptying. These medications also promote weight loss and have cardiovascular benefits .
Amylin Analogs
Pramlintide is an amylin analog that helps control postprandial blood glucose levels by slowing gastric emptying and suppressing glucagon secretion.
Natural and Herbal Antidiabetic Agents
Medicinal Plants
Several medicinal plants have shown antidiabetic properties. Notable examples include Momordica charantia (bitter melon), Pterocarpus marsupium, and Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) .
Active Natural Compounds
Natural compounds such as berberine, corosolic acid, and hesperetin have demonstrated significant antidiabetic effects through various mechanisms, including enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative stress .
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese herbal medicines, such as Holy basil leaves, Xianzhen Pian, and Qidan Tongmai, have been used to manage diabetes. These herbs have shown hypoglycemic effects in clinical trials .
Conclusion
The management of diabetes involves a wide array of pharmacologic options, including oral medications, injectable therapies, and natural products. Metformin remains the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes treatment, while newer classes like SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists offer additional benefits, particularly for patients with cardiovascular risks. Herbal and natural products also provide promising alternatives, though further high-quality research is needed to fully establish their efficacy and safety.
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