Oral Medicine Used for Diabetes

If you have Type 2 Diabetes, chances are good that you are able to treat it with an oral medication prescribed by your healthcare provider. There are many different types of oral medications that you may be asked to try. Here's a brief overview of some of the most common oral medications that you may take:

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas medications help to control Diabetes by stimulating the beta cells in the pancreas to release more insulin. There are two generations of these medications. Chlorpropamide is the only medication from the first generation that is still being used, which dates back to the 1950s. The second generation medications come in smaller doses. There are only three second generation Sulfonylureas, which are glipizide, glyburide, and glimepiride. Sulfonylureas are taken twice a day.

Meglitinides

Like Sulfonylureas, the Meglitinides are designed to stimulate the beta cells in the pancreas to release more insulin. However, unlike Sulfonylureas, these medications are taken before every meal. Meglitinides include Repaglinide and Nateglinide.

Head's up: hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) are a potential side effect of Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides because these medications stimulate the release of insulin and can lower blood glucose levels too low. (source: http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes/oral-medications.jsp)

Biguanides

Biguanides decrease the amount of glucose that is produced by the liver and by increasing the sensitivity of muscle tissues to insulin so that they can absorb glucose and in order to lower blood glucose levels. Metformin is the most common Biguanide.

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones are designed to improve the efficiency of insulin in the muscle and fat in addition to reducing glucose production by the liver. There are two major drugs that are classified as Thiazolidinediones: Rosiglitazone and Pioglitazone. These two drugs are closely monitored, especially because a third drug, Troglitazone, was removed from the market because it damaged the liver. The two current Thiazolidinediones are known to increase the risk of heart failure for some individuals.

DPP-4 Inhibitors

DPP-4 Inhibitors are a new type of Diabetic medication that help to improve A1C but that do not cause hypoglycemia. They prevent the breakdown of GLP-1 - a naturally occurring compound found in the body that reduces blood glucose levels, but is broken down quickly. DPP-4 inhibitors allow GLP-1 to remain active longer, which helps to lower blood glucose levels when they are elevated.

Of course, everyone requires a different medication to help combat Diabetes. Diabetics should consult with their physicians if they have any questions about the oral medications that may be best for them.

Resources:

http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes/oral-medications.jsp

http://www.imtypefree.com/Metformin-and-Type-2-Diabetes.html