Diabetes Medication

For type 2 diabetics, changes to diet, exercise routines, and overall lifestyle may be enough to allow the body to become self-regulating, and eliminate the need for medication. If this is not the case, either the changes are not made, or are not effective enough; medication will become part of the life of the diabetic.

There are currently five different types of drugs available. Each type works slightly differently to aid the type 2 diabetic.

The alpha-glycosidase inhibitors work by influencing the body's digestion of carbohydrates. These drugs are taken with every meal and actually slow down the digestion process of carbohydrates, which prevents high levels of glucose from entering the bloodstream. One side effect that some users of this type of drug have experienced is diarrhea.

Thiazolidinediones support the work of insulin at a cellular level. They also inhibit the release of glucose from the liver and so control glucose levels in the blood. While these drugs are taken with food, they are not needed with every meal. Because these drugs alter the way the liver works it is important that they be taken under medical supervision and that regular liver function checks are made.

The Biguanide drugs also act on the liver and work to control glucose levels in the blood stream by decreasing the amount of glucose released by the liver. Once again, it is important that liver function be monitored while these drugs are being taken.

Meglitinides stimulate the insulin producing cells of the pancreas to release insulin. These drugs are usually taken immediately before every meal. These drugs are associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) as the pancreas may be stimulated into producing too much insulin, causing blood sugar levels to fall too low.

Sulphonylureas also stimulate the pancreas to produce and release more insulin, so once again hypoglycemia can become a problem.

Each of these drugs are only available to those with type 2 diabetes, and you should keep in mind that pill treatments do not always work for everyone. Pill-based drug therapy has the best chance of success with those who have just developed type 2 diabetes or with those who only need very small amounts of insulin to keep their glucose levels within acceptable limits. Pregnant women are not prescribed oral medication, so diabetic mothers-to-be must manage their condition through changes in diet, or taking insulin.

Remember that taking diabetes medication does not eliminate the need for dietary controls. It is important to continue to test glucose levels and to eat a sensible, diabetic-friendly diet.

Sometimes these drugs are offered in combination to enhance their effects e.g. a pancreas stimulant with a glucose inhibitor. This can be beneficial provided the side effects are bearable.

In order for any of these drugs to work, the pancreas must still be able to produce insulin. For type 1 diabetics, whose bodies produce no insulin, insulin replacement is required. In addition, insulin replacement or supplementation can become necessary for type 2 diabetics when drug therapy can no longer maintain glucose levels.