Best tablet for type 2 diabetes
Metformin. This is a biguanide.
If you have type 2 diabetes, metformin is usually the first diabetes tablet your doctor will prescribe; if lifestyle changes alone, like a healthy diet and physical activity, are not enough to manage your blood sugar levels. It acts mainly by reducing insulin resistance in the liver, muscles, and fat cells.
Metformin has very good safety profile. Nausea and poor appetite are the main side effects.
There are two types of metformin: standard and slow release. The slow-release preparation has less gastrointestinal side effects.
Metformin and CKD
It should not be started at the later stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD3B and higher).
This equates to a GFR of <30ml/min.
Summary
We have described what is the best tablet for type 2 diabetes. Metformin. We hope it is clearer now.
Written by Dr Vindya Gamage, Fellow in Diabetes and Endocrinology.
Last Reviewed on 19 April 2024