More than half a billion people are dealing with type 2 diabetes worldwide, and new treatments are necessary to bring this number down. But with so many modern treatments on the market, it can be hard to know which one works for you. And on top of that, are any of them even safe?
In this article, we’ll look at the typical treatments for type 2 diabetes, whether modern treatments are safe, and which options you have if you choose to explore these new medications.
What are the Typical Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes?
Prescription medications serve as one common treatment, targeting blood sugar regulation. Metformin, for instance, minimizes liver glucose production and enhances insulin sensitivity.
Lifestyle changes also play a pivotal role in managing this condition. These alterations might include regular physical activity and a balanced diet to regulate blood sugar levels naturally.
Insulin therapy isn’t uncommon for those with type 2 diabetes when other methods fall short. While it’s more common for people with type 1 diabetics to inject their insulin, many type 2 diabetics will use injectables to ensure that their medication is more targeted and works faster.
Are Modern Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes Safe?
Most of the modern treatments for type 2 diabetes include oral medication and injectables that have only been approved for consumption for less than a decade. This is hardly enough time to examine the long-term effects of any medication, meaning taking them could be risky.
With that said, some treatments are riskier than others. For example, multiple studies confirm that Ozempic is a defective antidiabetic medication, and any drug that uses metformin in an extended-release state was recalled in 2020 because it contained a possible carcinogen. In recent years, Ozempic Gallstone lawsuits have been filed across the states, and they are even poised to become a mass tort situation.
If you want to be safe, stick with treatments that have been on the market for at least 2 decades. These include insulin glargine and liraglutide, which outperform other drugs during trials.
Modern Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
Most modern treatments use a combination of metformin (to slow glucose), DPP-IV inhibitors (to tell the pancreas to make and release insulin), and empagliflozin or ertugliflozin (to get rid of glucose through your urine. These drugs have been used to treat diabetes for quite a while.
However, modern treatments combine multiple drugs at once in varying quantities to make treatment more convenient and accessible. They also make treatment less expensive.
Here are a few modern ways to treat type 2 diabetes via an oral drug:
- Xigduo XR: An extended-release tablet that helps you get rid of more glucose.
- Synjardy: Combines metformin and empagliflozin to help your body absorb insulin.
- Steglujan: Combines ertugliflozin and sitagliptin to make the pancreas release insulin.
- Glyxambi: Tells certain hormones in your body to make and release insulin.
- Segurometal: Combines ertugliflozin (same as empagliflozin) and metformin.
- Steglatro: Brand name for the drug ertugliflozin (works like empagliflozin).
Here are a few modern ways to treat type 2 diabetes via an injectable:
- Tresiba: Brand name for the drug insulin degludec and lasts up to 42 hours.
- Basaglar/Toujeo: New forms of insulin glargine that lasts up to 24 hours.
- Soliqua: Combines insulin glargine with lixisenatide to stop GLP-1.
- Xultophy: Combines insulin degludec and liraglutide, which stops GLP-1.
- Ozempic and Rybelsus: Brand name versions of semaglutide and lasts a week.
- Adlyxin: Brand name for the drug lixisenatide and lasts up to 24 hours.
Due to the side effects of these medications and the short time they’ve been on the market, we recommend that you speak to your doctor about the risks involved before trying any new drug.
Taking any medication can pose a risk to your health, but it’s important to be aware of them before you start your regimen. Not only will this ensure you stay healthy during treatment, but it also increases the chance that you’ll combat or manage your type 2 diabetes successfully.