|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

Drugs That Improve Glucose Metabolism

For diabetics, either Type I or Type II, maintaining steady, lower blood sugar levels is paramount to controlling the disease. Blood sugar levels are regulated by the release of glucose and insulin in the body, usually in response to digestion. If glucose levels rise too rapidly, a diabetic can't produce adequate insulin to counter the response, and the blood sugar levels rise too high. Oral drugs that improve glucose metabolism by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing the amount of glucose released are crucial for diabetics who can no longer fully regulate the process themselves. These drugs also delay the need for insulin supplementation via injections. There are several classes of these drugs currently used in conventional medicine to treat diabetics.

  1. Sulfonylureas

    • Sulfonylureas have been in use since the 1950s. They work by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. Sulfonylureas are typically taken once or twice daily, usually before a meal. Name brands of this class of drugs include Diabinese, Glucotrol and Amaryl.

    Meglitinides

    • Meglitinides are another class of diabetic drugs that stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. These drugs can sometimes cause glucose levels to fall too much, especially when you are first taking them. Name brands include Prandin and Starlix. Meglitinides are taken three times daily, before each meal, for optimal blood sugar control.

    Biguanides

    • Biguanides work different from meglitinides and sulfonylureas by lowering glucose production in the liver. This class of drugs also increases the sensitivity of muscle tissue so that it better absorbs insulin. The most common biguanide is Metformin, also known as Glucophage. Metformin can cause diarrhea that typically resolves within a week or two of use, especially if the drug is taken with food.

    Thiazolidinediones

    • Thiazolidinediones work in a similar fashion to Metformin by reducing glucose production in the liver while increasing insulin sensitivity in the muscle and fat tissues. The name brands in this class are Rezulin, Avandia and Actos. Rezulin was pulled from the market because it caused liver damage. Avandia and Actos are both still available, but the FDA requires a warning be issued along with the prescription, because both drugs can cause cardiac damage and liver problems. This class of drugs is rarely prescribed, and only if someone fails to respond to safer alternatives.

    DPP-4 Inhibitors

    • This class of drugs is newer than some of the others. The DPP-4 inhibitors work by blocking the breakdown of GLP-1, which is a naturally produced compound that reduces glucose levels without causing hypoglycemia. Januvia is the only DPP-4 inhibitor currently on the market. Some users prefer this drug because it doesn't typically cause weight gain like some of the other diabetic drugs.

    Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors

    • Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors cause the body to produce less glucose by preventing the digestion of starches such as simple sugars and carbohydrates in the intestines. Precose and Glyset are two common drugs in this class. They must be taken right before a meal and can cause gastrointestinal upset for the first few days.

Diabetes - Related Articles