Diabetes Medicine: Oral Hypoglycemic drugs
Diabetic patients (especially with Type 2 diabetes) whose bodies 
can produce some insulin are usually treated with oral diabetes medicine (Oral Hypoglycemic drugs). Type 1 diabetic patients are treated with insulin and there is no role for oral diabetes medicine. Diabetes medicine is usually prescribed in conjunction with recommendations to make changes in dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. In most of the cases, effect of diabetes medicine declines over a period of time (about 10 years) and ultimately the patient has to shift to insulin.
Types of Diabetes Medicine (Oral Hypoglycemic drugs):
| Class of Diabetes Medicine | Mechanism of action | Example of diabetes Medicine | Side effects of the Diabetes Medicine |
| Sulphonylureas | This class of diabetes medicine and drugs act by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin and thereby lower blood sugar |
Dymelor, Diabinese, Orinase and Tolinase Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL, DiaBeta, Micronase, Glynase PresTab and Amaryl. | -low blood sugar -an upset stomach -skin rash or itching -weight gain |
| Biguanides | This class of anti-diabetic drugs improve insulin's ability to move glucose into cells especially into the muscle cells. Biguanides also prevent the liver from releasing stored glucose. |
metformin (Glucophage) | - Upset stomach (nausea, diarrhea) Weakness, tiredness - Metallic taste in mouth |
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors |
This class of diabetes medicine help your body absorb sugar more slowly to keep your blood sugar lower. | Precose and Glyset. | - Stomach upset (gas, diarrhea, bloating, nausea and cramps) |
Thiazolidinediones |
This class of diabetes medicines help make your cells more sensitive to insulin. The insulin can then move glucose from your blood into your cells for energy. |
Actos and Avandia | - Elevated liver enzymes - Liver failure - Respiratory infection - Headache - Edema of legs and ankle - Tiredness due to anemia |
| Meglitinides | This class of anti-diabetic medicines helps body make more insulin | Prandin | - Hypoglycemia - Weight gain |
Diabetic patients are in charge of the daily decisions to keep their blood sugar on track, deciding what and how much to eat, remembering to take their diabetes medicine, doing blood sugar checks and discussing any specific concerns with his or her health care provider.
To stay healthy and safe, follow your treatment plan and take the diabetes medicine as prescribed.
