Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when insulin does not control blood glucose adequately because tissues resist its effects and insulin secretion becomes insufficient. Many people have no symptoms, so diagnosis relies on validated blood tests.
Glucophage
500 · 850 · 1000mg
Metformin 500mg, 850mg and 1000mg tablets, film-coated and prolonged-release, used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A biguanide.
Glucovance
400/2.50 · 500/5mg
Metformin with glibenclamide as a film-coated tablet, used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A biguanide paired with a sulfonylurea.
Glucophage SR
500mg
Glucophage SR is metformin 500mg in a prolonged-release tablet for type 2 diabetes mellitus, releasing the biguanide slowly across the day.
Glucophage XR
1000mg
Glucophage XR is metformin at the 1000mg prolonged-release strength for type 2 diabetes mellitus, cutting glucose output from the liver.
Kombiglyze XR
5/500 · 5/1000mg
Kombiglyze XR pairs saxagliptin with metformin in a prolonged-release tablet for type 2 diabetes mellitus, a DPP-4 inhibitor alongside a biguanide.
Glucotrol XL
5 · 10mg
Glucotrol XL is glipizide 5mg and 10mg in a prolonged-release tablet for type 2 diabetes mellitus. A second-generation sulfonylurea.
Jentadueto
2.5/500mg
Linagliptin with metformin as a film-coated tablet, used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A DPP-4 inhibitor paired with a biguanide.
Key points
- Thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue or recurrent infection can occur, but glucose or HbA1c testing establishes the diagnosis.
- Treatment targets differ with age, pregnancy, heart or kidney disease, hypoglycaemia risk and personal priorities.
- Medicines vary in effects on glucose, weight, heart, kidneys and low-glucose risk; the lowest number is not the only goal.
Catalogue matches do not diagnose diabetes, set a personal target or indicate a safe medicine combination.
Why does long-term control matter?
High glucose can damage eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels over time. Blood-pressure, cholesterol, smoking, foot care, kidney tests and retinal screening matter alongside glucose management.
How are medicines selected?
Metformin is commonly considered but kidney function, tolerance and acute illness affect use. Glipizide and glibenclamide can cause hypoglycaemia, while other classes have different organ benefits and risks. See diabetes management.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for confusion, collapse, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, deep rapid breathing, very low glucose not responding to treatment, or high glucose with marked illness.
Further reading
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