What are Diabetes Medications?

Diabetes medications come in five classes or types of medication which help to lower blood glucose levels. These medications are taken orally and can be used in combination with injected insulin or with other medications to manage blood sugar levels. These classes are names as: Sulfonylureas, Biguanides, Thiazolidinediones, Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors, Meglitinides. We will discuss each of these briefly as to what they do and how they are taken.

Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides are both used to help the pancreas produce more insulin. The only major difference between the two is that Meglitinides are taken before the meal and Sulfonylureas are taken with a meal. Both medications can cause a low where you don't have enough glucose in your blood.

Biguanides in essence tell the liver to stop producing excess glucose and should be taken with a meal.  Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors slow down the rate at which carbs are digested in the intestine so that the patient gets a more level and steady amount of glucose in the blood rather than a sudden rush. Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors should be taken with the first bite of food in most cases and are known for causing problems such as gas or sudden need for a bowel movement. Finally thiazolidinediones increase the bodies sensitivity to insulin so that the insulin created goes further and has a larger effect on the whole body, these pills unlike the others require that you take them at the same time each day, rather than before food.