Learning about your diabetic meds is one of the best things that you can do to begin taking control of your diabetes. There are three basic types of diabetic meds: oral diabetes medication, insulin, and other injectable medications. There are 6 different classes of oral diabetic meds, they are:

Sulfonylureas – these stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin. Ex. Diabinese, Tolinase, Micronase, Glucotrol, Amaryl

Biguanides – these shut off the liver’s excess glucose production. Ex. Metformin, Glucophage

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors – this type of diabetic meds slow the absorption of carbs. Ex. Acarbose, Miglitol, Precose, Glyset

Thiazolidinediones – this medication is used to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Ex. Avandia, Actos

Meglitinides – these also stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin. Ex. Repaglinide, Prandin

DPP-4 Inhibitors – this new class of medication works by preventing the breakdown of GLP-1, a compound in the body that naturally controls blood …