Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?BenefitsTypesRisksOther Treatment OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is It?
Benefits
Types
Risks
Other Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people withtype 2 diabeteseventually need multiplemedicationsto help them manage theirblood sugar (glucose) levels. Finding the right treatment for your needs can take some time.
Understanding how combination therapy works and who it is best for can help you work with your healthcare provider to find the medication combination that’s right for you.
This article discusses combination therapy for type 2 diabetes—what it is, its benefits, risks, and more.
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What Is Combination Therapy?
Combination therapy is when two or more medications treat a condition, such as type 2 diabetes.Treatment for type 2 diabeteslikely begins with oralanti-hyperglycemic(glucose-lowering) medication.
Ifblood glucose monitoringorlaboratory blood testsindicate that glucose levels are not effectively managed with a single, oral anti-hyperglycemic medication, your healthcare provider will prescribe additional medication.
When determining the correct combination of diabetic medications, your healthcare provider will consider their effects on other health conditions, if applicable.
Benefits of Combination Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes
Over time,uncontrolled blood glucose levelscan cause significanthealth complications.
When a single medication is insufficient to control blood glucose levels adequately, your healthcare provider will consider combination therapy to prevent long-term complications. Such complications include:
As a chronic and progressive disease, type 2 diabetes often requires treatment changes.Establishing a proactive relationship with your healthcare provider is key to ensuring blood glucose levels are managed effectively and efficiently.
Types of Combination Therapy
Initial (or mono) therapy medication treatment for type 2 diabetes typically includes one of the following oral medications:
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Your healthcare provider may prescribe the following medications in conjunction with the oral medications listed above for combination therapy:
Basal insulin creates a high risk of hypoglycemia, so your healthcare provider will closely monitor your glucose levels to ensure correct dosages when first prescribing it.
Oral and Injectable Medications for Type 2 Diabetes
Risks of Combination Therapy
Medications that regulate blood glucose levels are generally safe. However, like any medication, there are possible side effects. These include:
Sometimes, type 2 diabetes medications can interact with other drugs. It is essential to review all of your medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications or supplements, with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Though many can often manage type 2 diabetes with diet, exercise, and medication, other treatment options are possible. These include:
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Summary
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease that sometimes requires medications to control blood glucose levels adequately. Combination therapy for type 2 diabetes involves using two or more medications for treatment.
There are many options for combination therapy, including oral anti-hyperglycemic (glucose-lowering) medications and basal insulin. As with any medication, side effects or drug interactions are possible, so collaborating closely with your healthcare team is essential to ensuring optimal safety.
A Word From Verywell
Managing a chronic and progressive condition like type 2 diabetes can be challenging. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider because you may require different treatments at different stages of type 2 diabetes.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf metformin alone does not effectively regulate blood glucose levels, a combination of anti-hyperglycemic medications, such as Brenzavvy or basal insulin, may be prescribed alongside it.Type 2 diabetes affects people differently, and treatment options vary depending on other diagnosed health conditions.An appropriate nutrition plan and exercise regimen might be enough for some to manage blood sugar levels effectively. Others may need medication. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.Multiple studies have shown that prescription insulin is safe to take with other medications.When insulin is combined with other anti-hyperglycemic drugs to help regulate blood glucose levels, there is a risk of hypoglycemia. It is essential to tell your healthcare provider about any medication you are taking and work with them to monitor glucose levels continually.
If metformin alone does not effectively regulate blood glucose levels, a combination of anti-hyperglycemic medications, such as Brenzavvy or basal insulin, may be prescribed alongside it.
Type 2 diabetes affects people differently, and treatment options vary depending on other diagnosed health conditions.An appropriate nutrition plan and exercise regimen might be enough for some to manage blood sugar levels effectively. Others may need medication. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
Multiple studies have shown that prescription insulin is safe to take with other medications.When insulin is combined with other anti-hyperglycemic drugs to help regulate blood glucose levels, there is a risk of hypoglycemia. It is essential to tell your healthcare provider about any medication you are taking and work with them to monitor glucose levels continually.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.Comprehensive type 2 diabetes management algorithm.American Diabetes Association.Oral medications: getting it right.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves novel, dual-targeted treatment for type 2 diabetes.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the treatments for diabetes?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Insulin, medicines, & other diabetes treatments.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.Comprehensive type 2 diabetes management algorithm.American Diabetes Association.Oral medications: getting it right.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves novel, dual-targeted treatment for type 2 diabetes.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the treatments for diabetes?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Insulin, medicines, & other diabetes treatments.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.Comprehensive type 2 diabetes management algorithm.American Diabetes Association.Oral medications: getting it right.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves novel, dual-targeted treatment for type 2 diabetes.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the treatments for diabetes?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Insulin, medicines, & other diabetes treatments.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.Comprehensive type 2 diabetes management algorithm.
American Diabetes Association.Oral medications: getting it right.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves novel, dual-targeted treatment for type 2 diabetes.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the treatments for diabetes?
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Insulin, medicines, & other diabetes treatments.
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