Oral Medications for Type 2-Diabetes

Certain diabetes medications are used to manage your blood sugar.  Oral medications, which are not insulin, are taken in a pill form.

Types of Diabetes Pills

Sulfonylureas help the body to make more insulin. Some common brands include Glucotrol, Glipizide, Glimepiride, Amaryl and Glyburide.

They are usually taken 30 minutes before a meal.

Possible side effects:

~Hypoglycemia

~Drowsiness

~Headache

~Dizziness

Meglitinides increase insulin production when glucose level is high. Current brands include Starlix (repaglinide) and Prandin  (nateglinide). Meglitinides are usually taken before each meal.

Possible side effects:

~Low blood sugar

~Slight increased risk for heart conditions

~Diarrhea

~Headache

Keep in mind that sulfonylureas and meglitinides stimulate the release of insulin; therefore it possible to have hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels).

Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors help to lower blood glucose by slowing the digestion of sugar and starches to prevent blood sugar from getting too high after meals. Current brands include Glyset and Precose (acarbose). They are taken with the first bite of each main meal.

Possible side effects:

~Abdominal pain

~Excess gas

~Diarrhea

Thiazolidinediones reduce glucose production and help your muscle cells better utilize insulin. Popular brands include Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone). Some doctors will order blood work to check your liver’s function before prescribing and monitor for possible liver problems. There is also a risk of heart failure with some individuals. However, these classes of medications have shown an improvement in HgbA1c levels.

Possible side effects:

~Upper respiratory infections

~Weight gain

~Swelling

~Headache

Biguanides help to control the amount of glucose produced by helping muscles use insulin more effectively. Some current brands include Glucophage (metformin), which is one of the most popular choices among physicians.  It is usually taken twice a day.

Possible side effects include:

~Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

~Abdominal bloating

~Excess gas

~Metallic taste in mouth

DPP-4 Inhibitors help lower blood sugar in type 2-diabetics. This class of medication has shown an improvement in HgbA1c levels and is less likely to cause hypoglycemia.  Januvia is a current brand.

Possible side effects:

~Upper respiratory tract infection

~Sore throat

~Stuffy/runny nose

~Headache

Oral combination therapy helps to keep blood sugar within your target range. They may help the pancreas make more insulin and the muscles use it more efficiently.   Many combinations are available but can be costly. Discuss the possible side effects with your health care provider.

Whenever you take these medications, hypoglycemia is a risk.  Watch for the symptoms, which include:

~Shakiness/Dizziness

~Hunger

~Headache

~Cold, clammy skin

~Confusion

~Irritability

~ A fast, hard heartbeat

If you experience adverse side effects or hypoglycemia often while taking any of your medications, contact your doctor or heath care provider immediately.