New medications to treat type 2 diabetes are helping people obtain excellent blood glucose control. An important research study, The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, found that the people with the best blood glucose management had fewer complications from diabetes.
Some of the most common medications are listed below along with basic information on how they work. NEVER make any adjustments to your medications without specific instructions from your doctor or diabetes educator.
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Medications for Treating Diabetes
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Type
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Medication
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How it Works
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Possible Side Effects
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Sulfonylureas
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Glyburide
: Micronase Diabeta Glynase
Glipizide:
Glucotrol Glucotrol XL
Glimepiride
: Amaryl
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Pancreas makes more insulin
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Low blood sugar
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Meglitinide
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Repaglinide
: Prandin
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Pancreas makes more insulin
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Low blood sugar
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Biguanide
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Metformin
: Glucophage
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Improves insulin sensitivity
Causes the liver to make less glucose
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Digestion disturbances; usually this side effect goes away after a few weeks; take medication with food to lessen effect of drug
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Sulfonylurea/ Biguanide Combination
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Glyburide/Metformin
: Glucovance
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Helps pancreas make more insulin
Causes the liver to make less glucose
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Low blood sugar/stomach upset
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Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors
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Acarbose
: Precose
Miglitol
: Glyset
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Slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates
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Gas & bloating
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Thiazolidinediones (the glitazones)
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Rosiglitazone
: Avandia*
Pioglitazone
: Actos
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Decreases insulin resistance
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Weight gain, mild edema (swelling)
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Note: The bold names under the medication column are the generic names. The unbolded names are the trade names.
*Rosiglitazone may increase the risk of heart problems. Talk to your doctor.
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Review Date:
5/22/2007
Reviewed By:
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc (5/1/2006).
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