Reduces postprandial (post meal) glucose results.Can be used as monotherapy, or in addition to other glucose lowering agents.These medications slow the digestion of carbs, and delay the rate in which your body absorbs glucose.This medication is a pill that is taken with the first bite of each meal, 3 times daily.Avoid this medication with class three and four heart failure.

Weight gain, edema (fluid buildup), headache, exacerbate or cause heart failure, muscle pain, sore throat, increased risk of bone fracture.You may take this medication with or without food.May be able to reduce insulin dose if you are on insulin, but be aware of weight gain as a side effect.HDL (“good”) cholesterol increase of up to 19%.

Inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis (inhibits the liver from producing glucose, or sugar.).

These meds do not increase insulin secretion.

Actos (Pioglitizone), Avandia (Rosiglitizone).

TZD medications are taken orally, as a pill.

May cause stuffy/runny nose, sore throat, nausea, stomach pain, severe joint pain, and upper lung infections.

Do NOT cause hypoglycemia or weight gain.

Reduce glucose produced by the liver after meals.

Increase insulin release when blood sugars are high.

Can be used as monotherapy if intolerant or have contraindications to Metformin.

Can be used as a secondary treatment in addition to, or instead of, Metformin.

The symptoms include reddened or purple skin, severe pain, fever, and potential vomiting. It results in the death of soft tissue in the groin or perineum area. This is a bacterial infection, a flesh-eating disease.

Necrotizing fasciitis or Fourniers gangrene.

Prevents the reuptake of glucose into the bloodstream.

Increases the elimination of sugar in the urine.

Invokana (Canagliflozin), Jardiance (Empagliflozin), Farxiga (Dapagliflozin).

These drugs are preferred if there is evidence of decreased heart function or if CKD (chronic kidney disease) progression is present. SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors)

Anaphylactic reaction – Dulaglutide (Trulicity).

May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness.

Preferred if ASCVD (Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) is present.

Like Metformin, it works on the overnight regulation for fasting blood sugar (GLP-1 medications and Metformin are the only diabetes medications that have this property).

Minimizes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) unless it is combined with another glucose lowering agent.

Promotes a feeling of satiety in the central nervous system therefore reducing appetite.

Stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin.

Decreases output of glucose made by the liver.

Byetta (Exenatide), Victoza (Liraglutide), Trulicity (Dulaglutide), Ozempic (Semaglutide), Lyxumia (Licisenatide).

GLP-1 is a hormone that regulates digestion and appetite.

GLP-1 medications are a daily injection.

GLP-1 RA (Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist) Listed below, in order, are the six major agents following Metformin in the most current AACE/ACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinology/American College of Endocrinology) guidelines. If you have not done so I have an informative article Current Best Alternative Medications To Metformin 2021 Unfortunately, Metformin has some undesirable side effects which leave some people searching for another option. It is effective and inexpensive, making it a popular drug. Read the article I wrote what is Meformin, for more of an in depth look. Metformin has been used in the United States since 1995. I will review Metformin, and discuss natural products or supplements that claim to have glucose-lowering properties. In my article, I will discuss alternative drugs to Metformin and their side effects and contraindications. What are the best alternatives to Metformin? If your Metformin experience has left you feeling miserable, you may be wondering why it’s worth it to take the med. This large, white pill has a reputation for its unpleasant side effects, which will hopefully dissipate after a week or two. Whether you are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or you have been dealing with it for years, you have likely been introduced to Metformin, or you know someone who is taking it.

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