Antihyperglycemic agents are medications that can be prescribed to people living with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes when lifestyle changes do not keep their blood glucose levels close to normal values. Sometimes these medications can be prescribed at diagnosis when blood sugar levels are very high. Note that these drugs are never a replacement for your meal plan or exercise but are in addition to them.

There are different classes of antihyperglycemic drugs. Since several classes of drugs may be required for optimal blood sugar control, some drugs combine two classes.

In order to get the most out of the medication prescribed by your doctor, here are some recommendations:

  • Take your medication as prescribed (start of intake, dosage, time of day).
  • Check your blood sugar at different times of the day to assess the impact of the medication on your blood sugar. If you think an adjustment is necessary, first discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • If side effects occur, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine what steps to take.

If your medication can cause hypoglycemia, it is important to keep a source of fast-absorbing carbohydrates on hand at all times. Always have an up-to-date list of all your medications.