While diabetes is often associated with insulin as the foremost treatment method for type II diabetics, some patients may not require or respond to insulin therapy. For instance, many can control their type 2 diabetes and manage blood sugar levels with exercise and diet alone. Still other patients may be unresponsive to insulin as a treatment, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Thankfully, insulin isn’t the only effective medication for treating type 2 diabetes.
These non-insulin diabetes drugs may include the following:
1. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists
Marketed under the drug brand names like Trulicity, Victoza (Liraglutide), and Tanzeum (Albiglutide) this medication treats type 2 diabetes by acting similarly to a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, meaning it normalizes blood sugar by utilizing the GLP-1 hormone. These drugs are administered via injection only once per week (as per doctor prescription) after eating, and are usually recommended in combination with a daily exercise and healthy diet regimen to safely manage glucose levels. It works by triggering the release of insulin via the pancreas by impeding glucagon storage by the liver. GLP-1 receptor antagonist drugs are often prescribed to adult diabetics who haven’t responded well to other treatments and female diabetics who wish to become pregnant. However, several side effects have been linked to GLP-1 medications and may include loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in some cases, Albiglutide has been known to cause allergic reaction so close monitoring, and following doctor-prescribed dosages and timing of injections is vital.
2. Amylin analog medications
Pramlintide mimics the hormone, amylin, which is naturally released in combination with insulin by the pancreas. So this drug aims to reduce glucagon when eating and also slows the digestion of food while satiating appetite and limits sugar storage by the liver. Common side effects to pramlintide may include low blood sugar, nausea, and vomiting so most physicians begin with a small dose and increase as the body adjusts to the medication.
3. Metformin
Metformin is a drug that aims to decrease sugar release via the liver. Metformin also acts as a euglycemic to help improve natural blood sugar levels to a non-diabetic state. If you are treated with metformin alone, you should not experience low blood sugars. Metformin is often prescribed as it rarely causes type 2 diabetic patients to gain weight. However, patients with liver, kidney, or heart issues are not recommended to use this medication.
4. Starch blockers
Starch blockers are typically orally-prescribed tablets that block alpha glucosidase, a digestive enzyme. They aim to delay CHO absorption, lowering post-meal glucose levels and allowing the body to adequately digest CHO in your meal, thus re-normalizing blood sugar. This medication can be tough on the digestive system causing severe gas. However, if you suffer from intestinal disease, starch blockers may not be an option.
