What kind of medications are required for type 2 diabetes?

Different ones: You may get by w/out meds, if you are able to control it with diet and exercise that lead to weight loss. If not, there is an array of meds used. Most commonly used are metformin, a class called sulfonureas (glipizide, Glyburide etc.), Actos (thiozalidinediones), dpp-4 inhibitors (januvia, janumet, Onglyza (saxagliptin) etc.), Acarbose (alpha-glucosidase inhibitors) etc.

Variable: Type 2 diabetes can be controlled by following a low carbohydrate diet and exercising vigorously for 30 minutes daily in many cases. Nutritional supplementation with fish oil, magnesium, Alpha lipoic acid, chromium, vanadium and fiber also have beneficial effect. If these things fail there are several classes of medication which are effective. Metformin is a good first choice if drugs are needed.