Medications for Treating High Blood Sugar

Medications used to treat high blood sugar can be broadly categorized into two types based on administration method: oral hypoglycemic agents and injectable medications. Each category includes various classes of drugs that work in different ways to help regulate blood glucose levels.

Oral Hypoglycemic Medications

Biguanides are among the most commonly prescribed oral medications. They primarily work by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improving insulin sensitivity in muscle cells. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors target post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the intestines.

Insulin secretagogues stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. These include sulfonylureas and meglitinides, which differ in how long they act and how quickly they take effect. Another important class is the DPP-4 inhibitors, which enhance the body's ability to regulate blood sugar by increasing the activity of incretin hormones.

SGLT-2 inhibitors offer a unique mechanism by promoting the excretion of excess glucose through urine. Lastly, thiazolidinediones, or glitazones, act as insulin sensitizers, helping fat, muscle, and liver cells respond better to insulin.

Injectable Hypoglycemic Medications

Injectable treatments include insulin and non-insulin medications. Insulin therapy comes in several forms, such as rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting, and pre-mixed insulin. Each type is tailored to match different patient needs, depending on the timing and duration of glucose control required.

Non-insulin injectables mainly include GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon release. GLP-1 agonists are also associated with weight loss and have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, making them a valuable option for patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk factors.