Types of Diabetic Medication

Diabetes is a medical condition in which the pancreas does not make enough insulin for the body. Insulin is an important hormone necessary in moving the sugar in our bloodstream to our cells for energy. If that sugar cannot move to the cells, it builds up in our blood and eventually passes in our urine. If left untreated, the excess sugar in the blood can damage the heart, kidneys and eyes.

Insulin

• Mostly used by type 1 diabetics, who make no insulin themselves, insulin shots must be administered regularly---from two to four shots daily---to properly process their food. Three different types of insulin are available, all with the same result---providing your body with insulin for a period of time. Very fast-acting insulin starts working in 5 to 15 minutes, fast-acting insulin works in 30 to 45 minutes, and intermediate-acting insulin takes 1 to 3 hours to work.

Sulfonylureas

• One of the five classes of oral medications perfect for type 2 diabetics because some insulin needs to be produced for sulfonylureas to work. These drugs lower your blood sugar levels by forcing your pancreas to make more insulin. Depending on what type of sulfonylureas medication you're on, you'll take them once or twice a day, usually before breakfast and supper. Some side effects are normal, such as upset stomach and skin rash.

Biguanides

• These drugs help lower blood sugar by making sure your liver doesn't take too much. The best-known name of this drug is metformin. You may lose a few pounds when you start to take it because it tends to lower the amount of insulin in your body. Metformin is taken two to three times a day, each with a meal. Side effects include a metal taste in your mouth, nausea and interactions with alcohol.

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

• These medications cause a slower, lower rise of blood sugar throughout the day by blocking the enzymes that digest the starches in your food. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are taken three times a day, each with the first bite of a meal. When you first start taking this medication, it can cause stomach problems, such as gas, bloating and diarrhea, but these side effects usually go away after your body has become accustomed to the medicine.

Thiazolidinediones

• The fourth class of diabetes medication for type 2 diabetics, this medication helps move the glucose from your blood into your cells by making the cells more sensitive to the insulin. Depending on what specific type of medication you're on, you'll take it once or twice a day with or without a meal. Possible side effects include weight gain, swelling in the legs or ankles and reducing the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Meglitinides

• The last of the medication classes for type 2 diabetes is the newest of the five, and this medication helps your pancreas make more insulin right after meals, lowering your blood sugar. These medications work like short-acting sulfonylureas because they work fast and your body uses them quickly. They are taken 30 minutes to right before a meal and are out of the bloodstream in 3 to 4 hours. Side effects include weight gain and low blood sugar.