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Progress in diabetes treatment used to take decades. The first effective treatment for diabetes, insulin, entered the market in the 1920s. It took 30 years for a new treatment, sulfonylureas, to be introduced in 1955. Another 40 years later, in 1995, metformin became available.

Since then, the story has changed remarkably. From the late ’90s on, the increase in new diabetes medications has been exponential. Particularly in the last decade, we’ve seen several new diabetes treatments emerge.

Specifically, there’s been an explosion of non-insulin therapies, including:

  • GLP-1 receptor agonists
  • DPP-4 inhibitors
  • SGLT2 inhibitors

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

When we eat food and it reaches the small intestine, the small intestine responds by releasing GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1), a type of hormone called an incretin that tells our bodies we’re full. GLP-1 receptor agonists are non-insulin injectable medications that reproduce and enhance the effectiveness of GLP-1. This extra punch of GLP-1 lowers blood sugar, suppresses appetite, and causes weight loss.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes:

Side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These effects tend to diminish over time. There have been some reports of kidney damage or failure, and there may be an increased risk of acute pancreatitis, but these serious side effects are rare.

DPP-4 Inhibitors

DDP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors are oral medications that trigger the pancreas to release insulin by stopping the deactivation of GLP-1. That raises GLP-1 levels. Similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists, this lowers blood sugar, suppresses your appetite, and can cause weight loss.

The FDA has approved four DPP-4 inhibitors to date:

  • Sitagliptin (Januvia)
  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
  • Linagliptin (Tradjenta)
  • Alogliptin (Nesina)

There are also several medications available that combine DPP-4 inhibitors and other diabetes drugs.
Side effects of DPP-4 inhibitors include slight increased risk of an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a stuffy nose or a sore throat, and of a urinary tract infection, like pain or burning during urination. You may also experience joint pain.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

SGLT (sodium-glucose cotransporter) 2 inhibitors are also oral drugs that treat diabetes. They help with a process that sends extra sugar out of your body through your urine. This results in weight loss, lower blood pressure, and lower blood sugar.

The FDA has approved several SGLT2 inhibitors to treat type 2 diabetes:

There are a few medications out there that combine SGLT2 inhibitors with other diabetes drugs, too.

Side effects include a complication of diabetes called ketoacidosis, which occurs from too many acids, called ketones, in the blood. These medications also increase the risk of serious urinary tract and yeast infections.

Now that there are so many options, I work with my patients to find the best treatment plan that fits their needs and lifestyle.

As a general physician, I prescribe diet, exercise, and the treatment standards of metformin, insulin, and sulfonylureas to my patients with diabetes.

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THIS CONTENT DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. This content is provided for informational purposes and reflects the opinions of the author. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your doctor immediately or call 911.