There are several different types of diabetic pills. Each category of pills works in a different way. The categories of pills, found on Webmd.com, that are generally prescribed by doctors for diabetes are as follows:
Sulfonylureas – These pills stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin by lowering blood sugar. They include Amaryl (glimepiride), DiaBeta (glyburide), Glucotrol (glipizide), Glucotrol XL (extended release), Glynas PresTab (glyburide), and Micronase (glyburide). Older, shorter acting drugs include Diabinese (chlorpropamide), Dymelor (acethexamide), Orinase (tolbutamide), and Tolinase (tolazamide). Side effects include hypoglycemia, upset stomach, skin rash or itching, and weight gain.
Biguanides – This category of pills are used to improve insulin’s ability to move sugar into cells, especially muscle cells. They prevent the liver from releasing stored sugar as well. They cannot be used by people with kidney damage or risk of heart failure. Drugs in this category include metaformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Riomet, Fortamet, and Glumetza). Side effects include upset stomach which may include nausea or diarrhea, and a metallic taste.
Thiazolidinediones – These types of pills improve insulin’s effectiveness in muscle and in fat tissue by improving insulin resistance. They also lower the amount of sugar released by the liver. Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone) are included in this class of diabetes medications. The FDA has restricted the use of Avandia for the use of some patients. These pills should be used with caution if you have heart failure problems. Cardiovascular risks should be fully reviewed with patients. Side effects include elevated liver enzymes, liver failure, respiratory infection, headache, and fluid retention.
Alpha-gucosidase inhibitors – These pills are made to block enzymes that help to digest starches. In turn they lower blood sugar. They lower hemoglobin by 0.5-1%. This class of pills may cause diarrhea or gas. They include Precose (acarbose) and Glyset (miglito). Side effects are upset stomach which may include gas, diarrhea, nausea, or cramps.
Dipeptidyl peptidae IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors – This class of pills include Januvia (sitagliptin), Onglyza (saxagliptin), and Tradjenta (linagliptin). They work by lowering blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas and reducing sugar production. They also are able to increase insulin secretion if blood sugar levels become high as well as stopping the liver from producing excess amounts of sugar. This medication should only be used with medications such as metformin. They also do not cause excess weight gain.
Combination therapy – Several diabetic pills combine several medications into one tablet. These include Glucovance, Metaglip, and Avandamet.
Diabetic Supplements
Sometimes people do not settle for prescription diabetic pills and begin to use supplements along with diabetic pills. There is nothing wrong with this except that you should discuss this move beforehand because at times supplements do not interact right with your diabetic pills or other diabetic medication. Cinnamon and St. John’s wort are some of the most commonly used supplements. Other types of supplements that may be used for diabetes are botanicals, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
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