Oral Medications for Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes can be managed with diet and exercise in most cases. However some people struggle with this and can benefit from some of the oral medications that are available. The doctor may suggest that patients use oral medications to help ease them into Diabetic management. Oral medication is typically the first step that doctors take when diet and exercise are not enough to manage the disease.
Generally a combined regiment of medications is prescribed. The five main categories of oral medications for Diabetes are Biguanides, alpha-glycosidase, sulfonylureas, meglitinides and thiazolidinediones. Doctors usually prescribe a combination of the drugs.
The five categories of oral meidcaitons for Diabetes work in one of many different ways. Biguanides inhibit glucose production; Sulfonylureas increase sensitivity to insulin and stimulate its production. Alpha-gluccosidase inhibitors block or reduce the speed of carbohydrate digestion.
Sulfonylureas were the only oral medications for Type 2 Diabetes in the United States until 1994. They work by making your pancreas produce more insulin which in turn lowers blood sugar. These drugs can only be used by people who have a pancreas that still makes some insulin. Those that don’t get any insulin production at all can not benefit from them.
Biguanides make sure that your liver does not make too much sugar and keeps the amount of insulin low in the body. This medication also brings body fat and cholesterol down and may help you lose a few pounds.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors stop enzymes that digest starches so that blood sugar rises slower after meals. Thiazolidinediones make cells more sensitive to insulin so that glucose can travel from the blood to cells easier.
Meglitinides are a newer oral medication that assists the pancreas in making more insulin after meals to lower blood sugar. It works quickly and allows you to change the amount of times you eat during the day.
Oral medications for Diabetes do not react well with some herbal and over the counter supplements and medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking before you begin oral medications for Diabetes. It is also a good idea to keep track of the side effects that you experience to see if they wane over time. If you do not see a decrease in the side effects your doctor may be able to reduce the dosage of the drugs you are taking.
If you end up taking insulin you will have to inject it in some manner. Insulin unfortunately can not be taken in an oral form because the body would digest it before it got to your blood stream. Generally two shots a day of insulin are enough to manage blood glucose levels for most people. You may require more or even less insulin shots a day depending on your particular situation.
Your doctor will go over all of the side effects with you before you start taking oral medications for Diabetes. Be sure that you understand what side effects are normal and which ones should cause alarm. Stay in close contact with your doctor about any concerns you have about taking the medications.
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