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Types of Drugs for Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes: Diabetes Type 1 and Diabetes Type 2. The two types are similar in that people with either do not make sufficient insulin to keep their blood sugar level in check. Those with Type 2 diabetes typically also have problems processing insulin, so although they make more insulin than those with Type I diabetes, their cells are unable to take in the insulin.
Typically, those with Type 2 diabetes often are put on a special diet to try to bring their blood sugar under control without medication. If this fails, a medication or drug may be used to try to lower blood glucose levels. There are five major types of drugs, aside from insulin, that are used to treat diabetes. Typically, with Type I diabetes, drugs and diet are generally not effective in controlling diabetes and insulin injections are the only effective treatment.

  1. Sulfonylureas

    • Sulfonylureas generally are taken orally, once or twice daily, before meals. Their purpose is to stimulate the beta cells within the pancreas to release larger amounts of insulin, to compensate for the cells' lack of ability to process insulin. While all sulfonylureas have this purpose and effect, the side effects differ depending on the particular brand of the drug prescribed, and the different brands carry different drug interaction risks.
      Sulfonylureas generally should not be mixed with alcohol, and severe side effects can occur.

    Meglitinides

    • Meglitinides are similar to sulfonylureas in that they also stimulate the beta cells within the pancreas to cause the release of additional insulin. Both sulfonylureas and meglitinides potentially can cause a patient to experience low blood glucose, or hypoglycemia, because of their effect on the production of insulin.

    Biguanides

    • Biguanides act to reduce blood glucose levels not by stimulating insulin production but by lowering the amount of glucose naturally produced by the liver. Some biguanides also increase the amount of glucose absorbed by muscle tissue, thereby reducing the overall glucose level in the body.

    Thiazolidinediones

    • Thiazolidinediones, including Avandia and Actos, reduce blood glucose levels by both reducing the body's natural glucose production and by helping to increase the use of insulin by muscle and fat. While the drugs generally have few side effects, other potential risks of thiazolidinediones may include heart failure or heart attacks.

    DPP-4 Inhibitors

    • DPP-4 inhibitors, including Januvia, are a new class of diabetes pills that might help improve blood glucose levels without the potential side effect of hypoglycemia. DPP-4 inhibitors inhibit the breakdown of GLP-1, a naturally occurring chemical in the body, helping the GLP-1 to remain in the blood longer and lower elevated blood glucose.

    Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

    • Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, including Glyset and Precose, inhibit the body's breakdown of starches (including breads and pastas) and sugars (including white sugar). Because the starches and sugars are broken down more slowly, blood glucose levels typically do not rise as quickly. Alpha-glucosidase should be taken three times daily and with the first bite of each meal. Side effects may include gas or diarrhea.

    Injectable Drugs

    • Insulin is the most commonly used injectable drug in the treatment of diabetes. It simply replaces the insulin the body is unable to produce or use effectively.

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