Treatment

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are revolutionizing diabetes care by offering more than just blood sugar control. These medications not only help manage type 2 diabetes (T2D) but also aid in weight loss and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. By mimicking a hormone that regulates insulin and glucose, GLP-1 RAs improve glucose metabolism, making them a promising treatment for patients with T2D, especially those with obesity or heart disease.

As the science behind these medications evolves, they continue to show significant potential in transforming the way we approach T2D management. For healthcare professionals and patients alike, understanding the benefits and risks of GLP-1 RAs is crucial for optimizing treatment plans.

Read more in our blog post:

www.t2dnetwork.ca

Discover how GLP-1 receptor agonists are transforming the landscape of diabetes care

If you're living with type 2 diabetes in British Columbia, understanding your medication options and coverage is crucial.

The HealthLink BC Type 2 Diabetes guide provides comprehensive information on various medications, including:

• Metformin: Often the first-line treatment, helping to lower blood sugar levels.

• SGLT2 Inhibitors (e.g., canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin): These medications help the kidneys remove glucose from the bloodstream and have been associated with weight loss and cardiovascular benefits.

• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (e.g., dulaglutide, liraglutide): Injections that stimulate insulin production and slow gastric emptying.

• DPP-4 Inhibitors (e.g., linagliptin): Oral medications that increase insulin release and decrease glucose production.

People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke compared to people without diabetes. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to have heart disease. This is because over time high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control your heart.

For this reason, your doctor may prescribe a statin (cholesterol-lowering medicine) to reduce your risk of heart disease. About half of people who take medicine to manage high blood cholesterol take a statin.

Some research has found that using statins increases blood sugar because statins can stop your body's insulin from working well. This can put people who use statins at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Statins are still recommended for many people who have high blood cholesterol. Even though there are risks with taking a statin, your risk may be greater if you don't take…

www.cdc.gov

Taking a statin to lower your cholesterol levels can be key to preventing heart disease and stroke.

Metformin is often recommended as a first-line treatment for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, along with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

Starting metformin early after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

www.healthline.com

Metformin is a commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. Here's why.