What medicines could my doctor prescribe?
Six kinds of
diabetes medicine are available in pill form: metformin (a biguanide),
sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, biguanides,
thiazolidinediones, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and dipeptidyl
peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Each medicine has good points and bad
points. Your doctor will decide which medicine is right for you.
Metformin
Metformin
is a type of biguanide and it is currently the only biguanide available
in the United States. It is often the first oral medicine prescribed
for someone newly diagnosed with diabetes. It has the advantage of not
causing low blood sugar. Metformin does not cause your pancreas to make
insulin, but it helps your body use insulin better. Metformin can cause
side effects such as nausea or diarrhea in some people. Your doctor may
prescribe metformin in combination with another oral diabetes medicine.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas
are the most commonly prescribed diabetes medicines. These medicines
help your pancreas make insulin. They are inexpensive and have few side
effects. There are 3 types of sulfonyureas: glipizide, glimepiride and
glyburide. Side effects may include weight gain and low level of sodium
in the blood. Sulfonylureas can be taken alone or with metformin,
pioglitazone (a thiazolidinedione) or insulin. If you’re allergic to
sulfa, you can’t take a sulfonylurea.
Thiazolidinediones
This
class of medicines includes rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. These
medicines help your body respond better to insulin. Rosiglitazone and
pioglitazone can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes
medicines. Side effects may include weight gain, fluid retention and an
increase in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. People taking rosiglitazone and
pioglitazone also need periodic liver tests.
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