|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

Side Effects of Diabetic Medication

Diabetes oral medications are taken by people who have type 2 diabetes. Depending on the individual's health and blood glucose levels, a physician will decide if one or more oral medications should be taken to control blood glucose. They work best for people who have had diabetes less than 10 years.

  1. Sulfonylureas

    • Side effects of sulfonylureas diabetes medications include upset stomach, weight gain, low blood sugar, itching and skin rash. Glipizide (Glucotrol XL) and glyburide (DiaBeta, Micronase) are two of the medications in this class.

    Biguanides

    • Common side effects of biguanides include nausea, diarrhea and a metallic taste in your mouth. Drinking more than two to four alcoholic drinks per week may make you sick. Taking this diabetes medication with kidney disease could cause it to build up in the body. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience weakness, dizziness or trouble breathing. The generic brand of this medication is metaformin (Glucophage, Riomet).

    Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

    • Side effects of this medication for diabetes include gas, diarrhea and bloating. Acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset) are the two medication in the class of diabetes medication.

    Thiazolidinediones

    • Thiazolidinediones' generic names are pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia). This diabetes medication's side effects include swelling of the legs or ankles and weight gain. There is a risk of developing anemia while taking this medication. Liver enzyme levels should be checked regularly. Symptoms such as dark urine, loss of appetite, pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes are symptoms of liver disease. Call your physician immediately. Taking other medications for diabetes may cause a drop in blood sugar. Make sure the doctor knows of all medication you are taking.

    Meglitinides

    • The side effects that may be caused by meglitinides are low blood sugar and weight gain. The generic names of this diabetes medication are nateglinide (Starlix) and repaglinide (Prandin).

Diabetes - Related Articles