Glipizide Alternatives: Other Oral Diabetes Medicines
Fortunately, many other different types of oral medications are available to treat
type 2 diabetes, including:
- Sulfonylureas
- Biguanides
- Meglitinides
- Thiazolidinediones
- Alpha glucosidase inhibitors
- Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors
- Ergot alkaloids
- Combination medications.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are medications that force the
pancreas to produce more
insulin. As a result, they are effective, but are also more likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Besides
glipizide, these medications include:
Biguanides
Metformin (
Fortamet®,
Glucophage®,
Glucophage XR®,
Glumetza®, or
Riomet®) is the only biguanide medication currently available. It works by helping the body use its natural insulin better. It also decreases sugar (glucose) production by the liver and decreases sugar absorption from the diet.
Meglitinides
Meglitinides are similar to sulfonylureas, in that they force the pancreas to make more insulin. However, they are short-acting and are less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar. They are usually taken before every meal. Meglitinides include:
Thiazolidinediones
These
diabetes drugs work primarily by helping the body to use its natural insulin better. These medications include:
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
These medications prevent the breakdown of sugar and carbohydrates in the digestive tract, slowing down their absorption. They are used to decrease blood sugar levels after meals.
Diabetes medications in this category include:
Dipeptidyl Peptidase Inhibitors
This is a relatively new class of oral
diabetes drugs. Currently, there are two medications available in the group --
sitagliptin (
Januvia®) and
saxagliptin (
Onglyza™). These drugs increase incretin levels in the body. Incretin is a hormone that helps to control blood sugar.
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