FDA Approves Onglyza for Type 2 Diabetes

The FDA in the United States has approved a new medication for the management of type 2 diabetes. Onglyza (saxagliptin) is taken once a day to help normalize blood sugar levels.

Currently, management of type 2 diabetes includes a lifestyle component (healthy diet and exercise) as the first part. If lifestyle changes don’t help regulate blood sugar issues or the diabetes is too severe, doctors have a few options for medications.

Usually, type 2 diabetes is managed first with oral antihyperglycemics, pills that help the pancreas and insulin work more effectively. The main difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes is that with type 1, the pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin. To manage this, people with type 1 diabetes must inject themselves with insulin at least once per day, but for many, they must do a few injections every day.

In type 2, the pancreas usually still is producing and excreting insulin, but the insulin isn’t effective enough. The medications help in this function. However, if someone with type 2 diabetes can’t be controlled with the pills, then their doctor may add insulin to their treatment program. Onglyza stimulates the pancreas to make more insulin after eating a meal.

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