What Types of Oral Diabetes Medicine Are Available?
Diabetes medications are grouped in categories based on medication type. There are several categories of oral diabetes medicine -- each works differently.
Sulfonylureas. These drugs lower blood glucose by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. The first drugs of this type that were developed -- Dymelor, Diabinese, Orinase and Tolinase -- are not as widely used since they tend to be less potent and shorter acting drugs than the newer sulfonylureas. They include Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL, DiaBeta, Micronase, Glynase PresTab and Amaryl. These drugs can cause a decrease in the hemoglobin A1c (/content/article/46/1667_50945?z=1667_50946_6504_00_09HbA1c) [link] of up to 1%-2%.
Biguanides. These drugs improve insulin's ability to move glucose into cells especially into the muscle cells. They also prevent the liver from releasing stored glucose. Biguanides should not be used in people who have kidney damage or heart failure because of the risk of precipitating a severe build up of acid (called lactic acidosis) in these patients. Biguanides can decrease the HbA1c 1%-2%. Examples include metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Riomet, Fortamet and Glumetza).
Thiazolidinediones. These drugs improve insulin's effectiveness (improving insulin resistance) in muscle and in fat tissue. They lower the amount of glucose released by the liver and make fat cells more sensitive to the effects of insulin. Actos and Avandia are the two drugs of this class. A decrease in the HbA1c of 1%-2% can be seen with this class of medications. These drugs may take a few weeks before they have an effect in lowering blood glucose. They should be used with caution in people with heart failure. Your doctor will do periodic blood testing of your liver function when using this medication.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, including Precose and Glyset. These drugs block enzymes that help digest starches, slowing the rise in blood glucose. These drugs may cause diarrhea or gas. These drugs can result in the reduction of the level of HbA1c of 0.5%-1%.
Meglitinides, including Prandin and Starlix. These medicines lower blood glucose by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. The effects of these medications depend on the level of glucose. They are said to be glucose dependant. High sugars make this class of medications release insulin. This is unlike the sulfonylureas that cause an increase in insulin release, regardless of glucose levels, and can lead to hypoglycemia.
Combination therapy. There are several combination pills that combine two medications into one tablet. One example of this is Glucovance, which combines glyburide (a sulfonylurea) and metformin. Others include Metaglip, which combines glipizide (a sulfonylurea) and metformin, and Avandamet which utilizes both metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandia) in one pill.
Metformin and glipizide are generic products which would be less costly that the brand counterparts.
2006-06-22 06:34:06
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answer #1
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answered by tlb5859 3
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2016-05-17 20:04:46
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answer #2
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answered by Laverne 3
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2016-09-19 04:02:08
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answer #3
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answered by ? 3
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2016-05-03 02:25:20
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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answered by Anonymous
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2015-08-19 20:49:04
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answer #6
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answered by Ted 1
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There are pharmaceutical companies that have prescription drug assistance plans for people with limited income -- whether you have insurance, or not. You may be able to get the application from your pharmacist or online. Good luck!
2006-06-22 06:19:42
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answered by mediahoney 6
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Why? Are you planning on prescribing them for yourself?
2006-06-22 06:18:54
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answer #8
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answered by Tulip 7
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2016-03-22 05:46:24
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answered by ? 3
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2006-06-22 06:15:42
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answer #10
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answered by sport stud bo 2
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