Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are medications that force the
pancreas to make more
insulin. As a result, they are very effective at controlling blood sugar, but are also more likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Some of these medications include:
Biguanides
Metformin (sold under the brand names
Fortamet®,
Glucophage®,
Glucophage XR®,
Glumetza®,
Riomet®) is the only biguanide medication currently available. Metformin 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 produce 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 (Glitazones)
This type of
diabetes medication works primarily by helping the body to better use its natural insulin. These medications include:
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
These medications prevent the breakdown of sugar and carbohydrates in the digestive tract, slowing their absorption. They are used to decrease blood sugar levels after meals. These medications 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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