A Breakdown of Popular Type 2 Diabetes Drugs in Singapore
Managing Type 2 diabetes can be tough, but with the right medicine and lifestyle changes, you can control your blood sugar levels. In Singapore, there are several popular medications that can help manage the condition.
Popular Type 2 Diabetes Medications
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking into other treatment options, here’s a simple breakdown of the most commonly prescribed Type 2 diabetes drugs in Singapore.
- Ozempic 1.34mg/ml (1mg/dose) Pre-filled Pen
Ozempic 1.34mg/ml (1mg/dose) Pre-filled Pen
| Type | Injection within a specific period of time. |
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide |
| Function | This treatment works by copying a natural hormone in your body that helps your pancreas release more insulin and stops your liver from releasing too much sugar, which helps keep your blood sugar levels in check. |
| Usage | One-time injection in a week. |
| Benefits | It slows down digestion so you feel fuller for longer, which can help with weight management, and also lowers the risk of serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. |
- Rybelsus 14mg Tablet 30s
Rybelsus 14mg Tablet 30s
| Type | First pill version for Type 2 diabetes (GLP-1 medication). |
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide |
| Function | It helps produce more insulin and reduces the production of glucose from the liver. |
| Usage | One tablet a day. |
| Benefits | It slows down how quickly your stomach empties, helps keep your blood sugar levels steady, and may help with weight loss. |
- Jardiance 10mg Tablet 30s (Box)
Jardiance 10mg Tablet 30s (Box)
| Type | SGLT2 inhibitor medication. |
| Active Ingredient | Empagliflozin |
| Function | It prevents kidneys from reabsorbing glucose to help lower blood sugar, which is emitted through urine. |
| Usage | One tablet a day. |
| Benefits | It can help lower blood pressure, support weight loss, and reduce the risk of heart-related deaths in people who already have heart problems. |
- Forxiga 10mg Tablet
Forxiga 10mg Tablet
| Type | SGLT2 inhibitor medication. |
| Active Ingredient | Dapagliflozin |
| Function | It helps your body get rid of extra sugar by flushing it out through urine. |
| Usage | One tablet a day. |
| Benefits | It helps improve heart health and can support weight loss, making it a common choice for people who are overweight or have heart problems. |
Jardiance and Forxiga are almost the same as both medications are under SGLT2 inhibitors. It is used to treat Type 2 diabetes, using the same process in lowering blood sugar. They also help protect the heart and kidneys. The difference between both medications is the active ingredient (Padda, Mahtani, & Parmar, 2023).
- Pharmaniaga Gliclazide 80mg Tablet 10s (Strip)
Pharmaniaga Gliclazide 80mg Tablet
| Type | Sulfonylurea medication (Costello, Nicolas, & Shivkumar, 2023). |
| Active Ingredient | Gliclazide |
| Function | It helps your pancreas make more insulin, which helps control your blood sugar levels. |
| Usage | One to two tablets a day. |
| Benefits | It usually doesn’t cause weight gain, but you should watch out for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if you’re also taking other medicines that lower blood sugar. |
Conclusion
Right now, there’s no definite cure for diabetes, but it can be managed well with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. For Type 1 diabetes, people need to take insulin for life to help control their blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes, however, can sometimes go into remission if someone loses a lot of weight, eats healthily, and stays active, though it’s not completely cured.
Medications like SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and others (American Diabetes Association, n.d.), commonly used in Singapore, help lower high blood sugar and prevent problems. Regular diabetes screenings in Singapore are important for catching the condition early, especially for people at higher risk. Even though there’s no cure yet, with the right care, people with diabetes can still live healthy, active lives and keep high blood sugar symptoms under control. Always ask or talk to your doctor for more detailed information about the medications that are suitable for you.
For added convenience, you can easily order these medications through DoctorOnCall’s online platform, allowing you to shop from home and have prescriptions delivered right to your door. Take steps today for a better, healthier life with diabetes!
References
- Padda, I. S., Mahtani, A. U., & Parmar, M. (2023, June 3). Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Costello, R. A., Nicolas, S., & Shivkumar, A. (2023). Sulfonylureas. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Oral & injectable medications for type 2 diabetes. Health & Wellness. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org
FAQ
The most common medication for type 2 diabetes is metformin. It helps lower blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production in the liver.
Some people may benefit from other drugs if metformin isn’t enough. GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic or Victoza) and SGLT2 inhibitors (like Farxiga or Jardiance) are effective options for blood sugar control and may offer additional benefits like weight loss and heart protection.
The latest medications for type 2 diabetes include GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus) and SGLT2 inhibitors (like Forxiga and Empagliflozin). These newer drugs help lower blood sugar, promote weight loss, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The five main classes of anti-diabetic drugs include:
- SGLT2 inhibitors (like Forxiga)
- Metformin (the most common)
- Sulfonylureas (like glibenclamide)
- DPP-4 inhibitors (like Januvia)
- GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic)
Metformin is typically the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes and is highly effective in controlling blood sugar. Ozempic, a GLP-1 agonist, is often used when metformin alone isn’t enough. It helps lower blood sugar, promotes weight loss, and may have cardiovascular benefits, but it’s usually prescribed after trying metformin.
Metformin is generally considered the safest and most well-tolerated medication for type 2 diabetes. It has a long track record, is effective, and rarely causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, it’s important to work with your doctor to determine the best medication based on your individual health needs.
Metformin is typically the most affordable medication for type 2 diabetes. It’s available as a generic and is often prescribed as the first-line treatment due to its low cost and effectiveness.
You should not stop taking metformin without consulting your doctor. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition, and blood sugar may rise again over time, even if it’s normal for now. Your doctor will guide you on how to manage your medication.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is generally safe for kidneys, and some studies suggest it may even help protect kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes. However, if you have existing kidney problems, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
If you have high blood sugar, focus on foods that are low in refined carbs and high in fiber. Ideal foods include:
- Non-starchy vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower)
- Leafy greens (like spinach and kale)
Reviewed by Doctoroncall Panel Doctor.
