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Medications for type 2 diabetes - Expert Video

Expert Video: What oral medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes?

Experts provide simple, understandable explanations about the different oral medications that are available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They discuss the major classes of drugs and modes of action. Twenty years ago, insulin was the main treatment for diabetes. We now have a large number of classes of drugs for diabetes that can often be used together for the benefit of patients.

Medications for type 2 diabetes - Expert Video
Medications for type 2 diabetes - Expert Video
Expert Video:

Different types of insulin and how they are used


Experts discuss the various types of insulin and the merits of insulin as a life-saving diabetes treatment. Insulin is a safe and effective medication which can help patients with diabetes achieve their glycemic goals. Insulin has saved millions of lives since its introduction in 1921. Type 1 diabetes patients need insulin.

Medications for type 2 diabetes - Patient Video
Medications for type 2 diabetes - Patient Video
Patient Video:

If someone loses weight, when can they stop taking medicine to control diabetes?


Consulting with ones doctor is key to making any decisions to stop taking medication. A patient discusses her insights to going off medication.

Medications for type 2 diabetes - Patient Video
Medications for type 2 diabetes - Patient Video
Patient Video:

Experiences using insulin: Are you afraid of using insulin?


A patient who is a retired nurse gives a positive account of her experience in taking insulin to control her diabetes.

Medications for type 2 diabetes - Patient Video
Medications for type 2 diabetes - Patient Video
Patient Video:

Why is it important for patients with diabetes to understand how the medications work?


Patients with diabetes should understand how safe their medications are, how they work in the body, what side-effects to expect, and what to look out for in terms of treatment.


Jointly sponsored by the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower and Prime Medic Inc. in collaboration with Postgraduate Institute for Medicine.

This activity is supported by educational grants from:

This website is part of The Animated Patient™ Series developed by Prime Medic Inc., to provide highly developed visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their health care professionals for optimal outcomes.