Type 2 Diabetes — Glucose Lowering

Diabetes

HbA1c above target despite lifestyle measures.

Regimens

  • First line

    Metformin 500 mg OD with food, up-titrate to 1 g BD

  • Add-on (CV / renal)

    SGLT2 inhibitor (empagliflozin 10 mg OD) if CVD, HF or albuminuria

  • Add-on (weight)

    GLP-1 RA (semaglutide / liraglutide) if BMI ≥35

  • Insulin

    Basal: glargine 10 U or 0.2 U/kg SC nocte; titrate by 2 U every 3 d to fasting 4–7 mmol/L

Monitoring

  • HbA1c every 3–6 months
  • U&E (metformin), foot/eye annually
  • Capillary BG, hypos

Common prescribing errors

  • Metformin if eGFR <30
  • Sulphonylurea in elderly + frail (hypo risk)
  • Not stopping SGLT2i during acute illness (DKA risk)
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