Type 2 Diabetes Drug Index | Type 2 Diabetes Care Guide

Return to Index Step 1: What is an Allergy?Step 2: The Role of the Immune System Step 3: What Substances Cause Allergies?Step 4: Allergy-Related Conditions Step 5: Should You See an Allergist?Step 6: Allergy Testing and Diagnosis Step 7: Introduction to Allergy Treatment Step 8: Avoid Allergy Triggers Step 9: Types of Allergy Medication Step 10: Over-the-Counter vs Prescription Drugs Step 11: Immunotherapy Step 12: You and Your Doctor Are a Team Key Points Glossary

*Close Menu*

Return to Index Step 1: Understanding Morbid Obesity Step 2: The Health Risks of Obesity Step 3: Treatment Overview Step 4: How Weight Loss Surgery Might Help Step 5: Gastric Bypass Surgery Step 6: Vertical Banded Gastroplasty Step 7: Laparoscopic Adjustable Banding System Step 8: Post-Surgical Nutrition Step 9: Post-Surgical Exercise Step 10: Post-Surgical Lifestyle Changes Key Points Glossary

*Close Menu*

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.

Medications for Treating Diabetes
Type	Medication	How it Works	Possible Side Effects
Sulfonylureas	Glyburide: Micronase Diabeta Glynase Glipizide: Glucotrol Glucotrol XL Glimepiride: Amaryl	Pancreas makes more insulin	Low blood sugar
Meglitinide	Repaglinide: Prandin	Pancreas makes more insulin	Low blood sugar
Biguanide	Metformin: Glucophage	Improves insulin sensitivity Causes the liver to make less glucose	Digestion disturbances; usually this side effect goes away after a few weeks; take medication with food to lessen effect of drug
Sulfonylurea/ Biguanide Combination	Glyburide/Metformin: Glucovance	Helps pancreas make more insulin Causes the liver to make less glucose	Low blood sugar/stomach upset
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors	Acarbose: Precose Miglitol: Glyset	Slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates	Gas & bloating
Thiazolidinediones (the glitazones)	Rosiglitazone: Avandia* Pioglitazone: Actos	Decreases insulin resistance	Weight gain, mild edema (swelling)
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.

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).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.