Type II diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that impedes the bodily metabolization of glucose (or sugar), which acts as energy. Patients with type 2 diabetes either don’t produce adequate levels of insulin or becomes insulin resistant, meaning the body is resistant to the actual hormone that transfers bodily energy (sugars) to cells. While type 2 diabetes was once referred to as “adult-onset diabetes” because it largely affected patients in adulthood, today greater percentages of patients are overweight children.

While there’s no known cure for type II diabetes, lifestyle changes (i.e., sugar free diet and healthy weight maintenance) as well as the following doctor-prescribed diabetes treatments can help keep symptoms and blood sugar levels under control:

1. Bydureon BCise®

This non-insulin diabetes medication is injected by patients once per week to gradually disperse the medicine for 7 days to reduce blood sugar. Bydureon is a type of GLP-1 receptor agonist (i.e., Byetta, Victoza, etc.) and injected via a device with an attached hidden needle. This device holds one dose of medication needed for the week so patients don’t need to increase their dosage or adjust a dial for dosing as needed. Instead, medication is disbursed at a consistent level—via n extended-release delivery system—for a duration of 7 days until another shot is given. After administering shots for 10-weeks, Bydureon BCise will trigger the body to begin emitting its own insulin to lower and maintain healthy glucose levels. For instance, Budireon regulates blood sugar by:

• Reduce stomach emptying in order to reduce glucose entering the bloodstream.

• Replicating GLP-1, a natural hormone within the liver and pancreas, to firstly block the release of glucagon and may prompt the liver to produce excess sugars, and secondly to trigger the release of insulin via the pancreas to reduce blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.

• For more information or to download a savings card visit bydureon.com.

2. Metformin 

Often called glucophage or glumetza, metformin is a first line oral medication taken in tablet form of reduce high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics while boosting insulin sensitivity. Metformin is often prescribed initially by doctors along with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and daily exercise.

3. Insulin

Not all type 2 diabetics require insulin therapy, yet injectable insulin may be required throughout the day or injected via a long-acting shot in order to keep blood sugar levels stable. Insulin can also be taken in tablet form orally, however, for some patients digestion may impede absorption.

4. SGLT2 inhibitors

SGLT2 (or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2) medications block the reabsorption of sugar into the blood via the kidneys. Common drugs names in include Farxiga, Jardiance, and Invokana. These drugs trigger elimination of excess sugars via the urine, and also reduce the risk of lower limb (i.e., feet) amputation in patients with type 2 diabetes.