Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are medications that force the
pancreas to make more
insulin. As a result, they are very effective at controlling blood sugar levels, but are also more likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). These medications include:
Biguanides
Metformin (
Fortamet®,
Glucophage®,
Glucophage XR®,
Glumetza®, or
Riomet®) is the only biguanide medication currently available. It works by improving the way the body uses its natural insulin. 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 medications and are less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar. They are usually taken before every meal. Meglitinides include:
Thiazolidinediones (Glitazones)
These medications mainly work by improving the way the body uses 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. Alpha glucosidase inhibitors 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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