Most people usually think of insulin when it comes to type 2 diabetes and medications. This is the main defense for those that have severe Type II Diabetes. However, a growing number of other medications are available for those with Diabetes Type 2 take to help approach their health. They fall into a number of categories and affect the body in a number of ways. Let’s look at them as well as insulin. Insulin is the primary medication many people take. Most insulin today is a synthetic form of the natural hormone. There are still sources available for natural insulin from animals, but that is now getting harder to find.
The first group of oral medications for those with type 2 diabetes goes by the name of sulfonylureas. These drugs stimulate insulin manufacture in the pancreas. They have been around for over 50 years and newer formulations are more effective. Another group of oral medications is meglitinides. These drugs are also known stimulate insulin production. It is important not to mix these drugs with alcohol consumption. It can lead to severe drops in blood sugar readings. Some of these drugs will also mix with alcohol and can cause severe nausea or sickness.
Biguanides affect the amount of glucose produced by the liver. That helps regulation of the amount of glucose that gets into the blood stream. That is very important with type 2 diabetes. It also helps make muscle cells more capable to absorb insulin more effectively. This also brings down blood glucose readings. The most common issue seen with this drug may be diarrhea. Taking it with food alleviates that problem though. Thiazolidinediones work alot like the previous group. They help elevate the insulin absorption by the muscle cells and lower the amount of glucose produced by the liver. There may be an increased risk of heart problems with these drugs though. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have with any of these drugs.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors work to block the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive system. This helps slow down the absorption of glucose. For effectiveness, this medication must be taken right at the beginning of a meal. DPP-4 inhibitors help prevent the breakdown of GLP-1. GLP-1 is a natural compound that helps reduce glucose levels. The body breaks down the compound quickly. By slowing that down, it helps keeps the GLP-1 in action longer. Your medical team may decide to put you on one or more of these drug in order to manage your Diabetes better. Knowing what is available is the first step.
Tags: diabetes, Medications, Type 2
