This tool provides an overview of glucose-lowering medications used in the management of type 2 diabetes, including their mechanisms of action, efficacy, benefits, and potential side effects. It is based on recent guidelines and consensus reports from the American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes.
Table: Features of medications for lowering glucose in type 2 diabetes
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CKD, chronic kidney disease; CV, cardiovascular; DKA, diabetic ketoacidosis; DPP-4, dipeptidyl peptidase 4; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; GI, gastrointestinal; GIP, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide; GLP-1 RA, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist; HF, heart failure; MACE, major adverse cardiovascular events; MASH, metabolic dysfunction- associated steatohepatitis; SGLT2, sodium–glucose cotransporter 2; SQ, subcutaneous; T2D, type 2 diabetes.
*For agent-specific dosing recommendations, please refer to manufacturers’ prescribing information.
1Tsapas et al (107).
2Tsapas et al (317).
Adapted from Davies et al (90).
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee, "Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2026", Diabetes Care, vol. 49, Suppl. 1, pp. S183–S215.