Diabetes Medications for You

and Your Loved Ones

Diabetes has become one of the leading causes of morbidity in the world, especially in western countries. With the emergence of this disease, different medications have been developed.

Medical strategies tend to focus on two types of diabetes: Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) and Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Along with lifestyle modification, diabetes medications are frequently prescribed to limit the aggravation of the disease process.

There are five classifications of diabetes medications.

1 - Sulfonylureas (first generation: chlorpropamide, tolazamide; second generation: glyburide, glipizide; thrid generation: glimepiride) act to stimulate the beta cells in the pancreas to create more insulin for the body to utilize the excess glucose in the blood. These diabetes medications should be taken with meals since they may induce hypoglycemia. In more severe cases, the second and thrid generation sulfonylureas are the drugs of choice.

2 - Alpha – Glucosidase Inhibitors (acarbose, miglitol) slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestinal mucosa. Carbohydrates abruptly boost blood sugar, that is why intake should be limited in patients with diabetes. These diabetes medications should be taken along with the first bite of food.

3 - Biguanides (metformin) inhibit the production of excess glucose in the liver, therefore limiting the increase of sugar in the blood. They should be taken with meals to prevent sudden hypoglycemia. They are used with extreme caution and should not be given to patients with renal problems and congestive heart failure. Creatinine clearance should be checked for renal patency in elderly people before starting this medication.

4 - Thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone, pioglitazone) enhance cellular sensitivity to insulin. Insulin serves as a gradient for the entry of glucose. In type 2 (NIDDM) diabetes, there is probably good production of insulin, yet the cells remain unpermeable to it. This drug type is usually indicated for the condition. This medication should be taken at similar times everyday.

5 - Meglitinides (repaglinide) stimulate the pancreas to create more insulin. It should be taken before meals. The patient also should be certain to take meals regularly as it may induce hypoglycemia.

A high degree of compliance is required of diabetes patients to prevent rebound effects and over-tolerance to medications. It is important to have an honest discussion with your doctor if you have any questions about your medication.

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