Medications other than insulin

Many types of blood glucose lowering medications are available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These medications are mostly oral medications, commonly called as oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA), which lower blood glucose by a variety of actions, according to which they can be classified. Only injectable medications are incretin mimetics or GLP1 analogues (exenatide and liraglutide), which are given subcutaneously similar to insulin, however they are not insulins.

People with type 2 diabetes should know that type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and that eventually even with attention to diet and exercise, their body will not make enough insulin. When this happens, they will have to start a medication that will help them release more insulin or help their insulin to work better. Even after starting a medication, diet and exercise remain very important for the medication to work as it should.

Certain important points to understand are:

• Clearly understand the directions regarding when to take the medication

• Know the possible side effects that should be reported to the doctor/health care team

• Medication works in conjunction with the meal plan and exercise programme. The medication does not replace these essential components of the treatment programme.

• Any medications you take for conditions other than diabetes can affect your blood sugar level, too. If you're considering an over-the-counter medication or your doctor prescribes a new drug to treat another condition — such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol — ask your doctor or pharmacist if the medication may affect your blood sugar level. Sometimes an alternate medication may be recommended

• Report problems to your doctor. If your diabetes medications cause your blood sugar level to drop too low or it remains high, the dosage or timing may need to be adjusted.