Diabetes Medication

Dr. Leonard Leng of ATA Medical Singapore.

Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng.
Last updated: Jan 16, 2025.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires consistent, long-term management to prevent complications such as cardiovascular disease and kidney damage. While a healthy diet and regular exercise are important for managing diabetes, some individuals may need medications to target specific mechanisms in the body to regulate blood sugar levels that lifestyle changes alone may not achieve.

Diabetes monitoring kit, including a glucometer, insulin pen, and medication, placed on a white table — essential tools for blood sugar control.

What Does Diabetes Medication Do?

Diabetes medications help control blood sugar levels by targeting different processes in the body. Some medications reduce the amount of sugar produced by the liver, while others make the body more responsive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Certain medications help the pancreas release more insulin, and others remove excess sugar through urine or slow down the digestion of carbohydrates to prevent blood sugar spikes.

Diabetes Medication Classes

Diabetes medications are broadly categorised into two types: oral medications and injectables. These medications are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, with insulin being a key treatment for type 1 diabetes and advanced type 2 diabetes:

Medication Type	Route	How They Work
Biguanides Examples: Metformin	Oral	Reduces glucose production in the liver and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, helping it use insulin more effectively.
Sulfonylureas Examples: Glimepiride, Gliclazide	Oral	Stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, increasing insulin levels to lower blood sugar.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors Examples: Sitagliptin, Linagliptin	Oral	Increases insulin production and reduces glucose production in the liver by regulating a hormone called incretin.
Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors Examples: Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin	Oral	Blocks the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, promoting its excretion through urine.
Thiazolidinediones Examples: Pioglitazone	Oral	Improves the body's response to insulin by increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat tissue.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Examples: Liraglutide, Semaglutide	Injectable	Mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a natural hormone that stimulates insulin production, suppresses glucagon, and reduces appetite to improve blood sugar control.
Insulin	Injectable	Replaces or supplements the body's natural insulin to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
Combination Medications	Oral	Combines two or more active ingredients to target multiple pathways of blood sugar regulation.

Your doctor will determine the most suitable medication for you based on factors such as your age, type and severity of diabetes, existing health conditions, and lifestyle. They will also consider potential side effects and your body's response to previous treatments to ensure effective blood sugar control.

Potential Diabetes Medicine Side Effects

Diabetes medications, while essential for managing blood sugar levels, can sometimes cause side effects that vary in severity based on the type of medication and individual responses. Below are some common side effects associated with different classes of diabetes medications:

Medication Type	Common Side Effects
Biguanides	Digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhoea, or bloating, especially during initial use.
Sulfonylureas	Risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and potential weight gain.
DPP-4 Inhibitors	Occasional headaches or joint pain.
SGLT2 Inhibitors	Increased risk of urinary tract infections due to higher glucose levels in the urine.
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)	Fluid retention and weight gain in some cases.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists	Nausea and reduced appetite, particularly at the start of treatment.
Insulin	Risk of hypoglycaemia if dosages are not carefully managed.

Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects, and actual effects may vary depending on the specific medication and individual response. This information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding your treatment and to address any concerns about side effects or medication management.

Lifestyle Modification for Diabetes Mellitus

While some people require medication to manage diabetes, combining it with healthy lifestyle changes can help achieve more effective results. These lifestyle adjustments can help:

Eat a Balanced Diet: Consuming whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while limiting sugary foods helps stabilise blood sugar levels and provide essential nutrients for overall body function and energy.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood sugar levels while supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight reduces insulin resistance and makes blood sugar management easier.
Manage Stress Levels: Reducing or managing stress and ensuring adequate sleep prevents stress-related blood sugar fluctuations.
Moderate Smoking and Alcohol Intake: Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking supports better blood sugar control and reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Three Singaporeans stretching in a green park, promoting healthy lifestyle changes for better diabetes management.

How Much Is Diabetes Medication?

At ATA Medical, we offer screening and treatment for diabetes, as well as management of related complications such as diabetic retinopathy and foot conditions. Our treatment prices are as follows:

Treatment	Price*
Consultation	From $38.15
Diabetes Medications	From $0.22

*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

Where to Get Diabetes Medication?

ATA Medical @ Orchard

Address: 1 Orchard Blvd, #05-09 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard Station (TE13)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: camden@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed

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ATA Medical @ Tanjong Pagar

Address: 72 Anson Rd, #01-02 Anson House, Singapore 079911
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station (EW15)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: hi@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed

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ATA Medical (Anson House)

Nearest MRT: EW15 Tanjong Pagar

ATA Medical (Camden Medical Centre)

Nearest MRT: TE13 Orchard Boulevard

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Managing diabetes without medication involves lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and limiting smoking and alcohol. While these changes can improve blood sugar control and overall health, some may still need medication. It is best to consult your doctor to determine the best approach for managing diabetes.

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. It reduces glucose production in the liver and improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

There is no single "best" medication for diabetes, as treatment depends on factors such as the type and severity of diabetes, age, lifestyle, and other health conditions. Your doctor will assess your individual needs and health condition to recommend the most appropriate medication.

While metformin remains the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, newer medications like SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., dapagliflozin) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) may also be used for patients with specific needs, such as cardiovascular or kidney disease.

Oral medications commonly used for type 2 diabetes include metformin, sulfonylureas (e.g., gliclazide), DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin), and SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., dapagliflozin). Combination tablets that include multiple active ingredients may also be prescribed.

Metformin is commonly prescribed for diabetes due to its effectiveness and lower risk of causing hypoglycaemia. However, the suitability of any medication can vary based on individual health factors, and side effects may differ from person to person. Always consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

Signs of high blood sugar, or hyperglycaemia, include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and unexplained weight loss. If you experience these symptoms frequently or consistently, it is advisable to consult your doctor for evaluation and appropriate management.

Some individuals with prediabetes or early-stage type 2 diabetes may manage their condition effectively through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight loss. However, others may require medication for effective long-term blood sugar control. It is advisable to consult a doctor to determine the most suitable approach for managing your condition.

While metformin is not primarily a weight-loss medication, some individuals may experience modest weight loss due to its effects on improving insulin sensitivity and reducing appetite.

The effectiveness of a diabetes medication depends on individual needs, treatment goals, and how a person responds to the medication. Metformin is widely regarded as an effective first-line choice, while newer options like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists offer additional benefits for individuals with specific complications, such as cardiovascular or kidney conditions. Always consult your doctor to determine the most suitable treatment for your condition.

Metformin is still widely prescribed for diabetes management. However, it may not be suitable for patients with kidney or liver issues due to the risk of complications such as lactic acidosis. In such cases, doctors may recommend alternative treatments like DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, or GLP-1 receptor agonists to manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Water is an ideal choice for lowering blood sugar as it contains no calories or carbohydrates. Unsweetened herbal teas and black coffee in moderation are also good options.

Metformin primarily affects the kidneys and should be used with caution in individuals with kidney disease to minimise the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious complication. In such cases, doctors may recommend alternative medications to manage diabetes effectively.

The effectiveness of diabetes medication depends on factors such as the type and severity of diabetes and individual health needs. Insulin injections are often regarded as one of the commonly used options for lowering blood sugar in advanced diabetes or when other medications are insufficient. It is best to consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

Diabetics should avoid sugary beverages like sodas and fruit juices, sweetened coffee or tea, and alcoholic drinks with high sugar content.

The most common side effect of metformin is gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, diarrhoea, and bloating, particularly when starting the medication. These symptoms usually subside as the body adjusts.