Nearly 24 million people in the United States have diabetes and the number continues to grow, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Diabetics are categorized as either Type 1, those who produce little or no insulin, or Type 2, those who produce an insufficient amount of insulin or who are resistant to the insulin they do produce. This article provides an overview of the common medications prescribed for both types of diabetes.
Types of Medications
Diabetic medications can be broken into two categories: oral and injectable. Insulin and Byetta are the two common injectable treatments. Oral diabetic medications sold in the United States fall into to five classes, according to the American Diabetes Association. These are: sulfonylureas, meglitinides, biguanides, thiazolidinediones and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. The oral medications are most commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but are sometimes used in conjunction with insulin for Type 1 treatments under the advice of a healthcare provider.
Injections
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows your body to turn blood glucose into a form of energy your cells can use. All Type 1 diabetics and some Type 2 must take insulin injection. There are four types of insulin with different peak times and effective durations. These are: rapid acting insulins that peak in 30 to 90 minutes and last one to five hours; short acting insulins that peak in 40 to 60 minutes and last two to eight hours; intermediate insulins that peak in 4 to 12 hours and last 10 to 18 hours; and long-acting insulins that last up to 24 hours. Side effects of insulin include low blood sugar, weight gain and redness and swelling at the injection site.
Byetta, approved for Type 2 diabetics, is an injection that helps control blood-sugar levels by increasing insulin production, slowing the movement of food out of the stomach and stopping the liver from releasing glucose. Side effects of Byetta include vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache and nausea
Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides
Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides both stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. Sulfonylureas are generally taken one to two times a day before meals. Meglitinides are usually taken three times a day, once before each meal. Since both of these drugs cause increased insulin production, they can cause low blood sugar. Other side effects of Sulfonylureas include weight gain, upset stomach and rash. Side effects of Meglitinides include headaches, weakness and irritability.
Biguanides
Biguanides lower blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and helping your body use the insulin you produce. Biguanides are usually taken two times a day. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and decreased appetite.
Thiazolidinediones
These drugs increase your fat and muscle cells' sensitivity to insulin to help the insulin you produce work more effectively. They also reduce the amount of glucose produced by your liver. Side effects include an increased risk of heart failure and anemia.
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors block the breakdown of starches in your lower intestine and slow the absorption of carbohydrates into your body. Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors are taken at the beginning of each meal. Side effects include bloating, nausea and diarrhea.
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