Using Diabetes Pills

There are several different options available for controlling type 2 diabetes. They have traditionally included insulin injections, diabetes pills, and more recently inhalant medications such as Exubera. Determining what type of treatment works best for you is a decision that should be made in consultation with your doctor and diabetes support team. Some considerations are:

* What is your level of requirement for insulin?
* Do you need one pill or a combination of pills?
* Will you require insulin and pills in combination?

There are several major types of diabetes pills currently on the market. Below is a summary of the major types and their uses.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

These mediations slow down the body’s ability to breakdown and digest starches such as bread, pasta, potatoes and even some sugars. These pills need to be taken at the beginning of a meal, and can be very effective in controlling blood glucose levels. They are marketed under the names of Precose and Glyset. The side effects to using alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are gas and intestinal discomfort with diarrhea.

Biguanides

Metformin is the drug name for the Biguanides, which acts to decrease the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and also makes the fat cells, cells in the liver and the muscles more sensitive to insulin so it can be absorbed easier. This medication has been proven effective for individuals with insulin resistance, and is taken twice a day, every day. There is initially some diarrhea, but this will improve over the time that the medication is taken and will also improve if the medication is taken just before the meal.

Meglitinides

Known by the names of Starlix and Prandin, this medication causes the beta cells to produce more insulin. The medication is taken before each of the three daily meals, and produces the same effect as an insulin shot. It is important to control your carbohydrate intake while using these medications. Since the drug causes a rapid increase in the release of insulin by the pancreas it is important to watch for hypoglycemia, and carry candies or glucose tablets or gel to counteract the medication.

Sulfonylureas

These drugs are some of the original drugs used to control diabetes. They were first used in the 1950’s, but have been improved and advanced. They work the same as the meglitinides to increase the production of insulin by the pancreas thereby reducing the blood glucose levels.

Sulfonylureas are usually taken one or two times a day with meals. They are often combined with other diabetes medications and have different interactions with different medications. Care needs to be taken when combining drugs to monitor any possible side effects.

Thiazolidinediones

These drugs, marketed as Avandia, Rezulin or ACTOS make the cells of the muscles and liver work better with insulin, and also reduce the release of glucose by the liver. They are usually taken one or two times a day, with meals, and can be very effective in lowing blood glucose levels. There is a significant and serious side effect to taking these drugs for some people. Individuals on these medications will need to have regular blood work to determine the functioning of their liver, as severe complications have been noted.

Diabetes pills can be very effective as treatments for controlling diabetes. As with any medication it is important to stick strictly to the prescribed doses and to consult with a doctor should any side effects be noted.

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