Diabetes Medications

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Diabetes Medications

For more information, visit our Medications section.

Currently there are five classes of oral diabetes medications, all of which help in lowering blood glucose levels. These different classes of diabetes medications can be used in combination or with insulin to achieve control the blood sugar.

Classes and actions of medications:

Sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin. The second- and third-generation ones are the best.
Biguanides shut off the liver's excess glucose production
Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors slow absorption of carbs in the intestine
Thiazolidinediones increase the body's sensitivity to insulin
Meglitinides stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin

Class	Generic Name	Brand Name	Comments	How
Sulfonylureas	Chlorpropamide first-generation	Diabinese	Use with caution in the elderly.May cause lows	With meal
	Tolazamide first-generation	Tolinase	May cause lows	With meal
	Glyburide second- generation	Micronase Diabeta Glynase Pres Tab	Take 1 to 2 times a day. May cause lows	With meal
	Glipizide second- generation	Glucotrol Glucotrol XL	Take 2 times a day or once with (XL).May cause lows	30 minutes before a meal
	Glimepiride third-generation	Amaryl	Take 1 time a day. May cause lows	With meal
Biguanides	Metformin	Glucophage	Not used with congestive heart, renal or liver problems. Check creatinine clearance if over 65 years of age.	With meal
Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors	Acarbose Miglitol	Precose Glyset	May have side effects in the gastrointestinal tract.	With first bite of food
Thiazolidinediones	Rosiglitazone Pioglitazone	Avandia Actos	May reduce effectiveness of birth control pills. Check liver enzymes as directed.	Take at same time each day
Meglitinides	Repaglinide	Prandin	Take with each meal. May cause lows	Before meals

These medications along with a balanced diet and exercise plan help control blood glucose levels. Medications should be taken at the same time each day or as directed by a health care provider.

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