For someone with mild new onset Type II diabetes, which medication is preferred?

In the case of mild new onset Type II diabetes, Metformin is the preferred medication. Metformin works primarily by reducing hepatic glucose production and enhancing insulin sensitivity, which helps lower blood sugar levels effectively. It is often recommended as a first-line treatment due to its efficacy in managing blood glucose levels, its favorable safety profile, and its potential benefits in weight management and cardiovascular health.

Other medications, such as Humalog and Lantus, are types of insulin and are typically used for Type I diabetes or in more advanced stages of Type II diabetes when oral medications are insufficient for blood glucose control. Glyburide, while also used to treat Type II diabetes, is a sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas and may not be preferred as a first-line agent due to concerns about weight gain and potential hypoglycemia.

Thus, Metformin stands out as the most appropriate first-line medication for individuals with newly diagnosed, mild Type II diabetes.