Chapter 8 Sugar-Lowering Tablets

Chapter 8. Sugar-lowering tablets

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. The main treatments are diet and exercise, but in some cases this may not be enough. Doctors may prescribe special glucose-lowering tablets to help patients control their blood sugar levels.

Today, there are two main groups of glucose-lowering tablets - sulfonamide drugs and biguanides. Both groups differ in their chemical structure and mechanism of action on the body.

Sulfonamide drugs include drugs such as glyburide, glimepiride and gliclazide. They work by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas. These drugs can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and should not be taken unless recommended by a doctor. It is also worth considering that these drugs are not recommended for use in patients with impaired renal or liver function.

Biguanides, such as metformin, work by decreasing the amount of glucose released by the liver and increasing tissue sensitivity to insulin. These drugs can also cause hypoglycemia, but the risk is less than with sulfa drugs. Biguanides are not recommended for use in patients with impaired renal or cardiovascular function.

Despite the differences between these two groups of glucose-lowering tablets, they have a common feature - they act only if the patient has his own insulin in the body. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you should regularly check your blood sugar levels and follow all your doctor's recommendations for treating and managing the disease.

In conclusion, glucose-lowering tablets are an important tool in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, which can help patients achieve and maintain normal blood sugar levels. However, before using these drugs, you must always consult your doctor to avoid possible undesirable consequences and get the maximum benefit from the treatment.