These medications are all meant to be taken orally. If you are pregnant, you will probably be taken off your oral medication and moved to insulin therapy. There has recently been more research on pregnancy and oral medications, however, so talk to your doctor about your options.
Be aware that diabetes medication may not mix well with alcohol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this before you drink.
Sulfonylureas are the oldest medications used to treat diabetes. There are many kinds of sulfonylureas on the market. They increase insulin production. They are often taken one or two times a day before meals. These can cause hypoglycemia. These drugs can often be taken in combination with other types of diabetes medications.
Meglitinides are another family of drugs that stimulate the beta cells to increase insulin production. Like sulfonylureas, meglitinides are taken before meals. They can similarly cause hypoglycemia.
Biguanides are drugs that decrease the liver’s glucose production. Metformin (brand name Glucophage) is one of the more common biguanides. Metformin also makes muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin so that it can properly be absorbed. A side effect is sometimes diarrhea, but this is reduced when taken with food.
Thiazolidinediones is a family of drugs made up of rosiglitazone, troglitazone, and pioglitazone. These drugs decrease the liver’s glucose production while increasing the body’s fat and muscle ability to absorb insulin. These drugs involve careful monitoring to make sure that the liver is not damaged.
Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors reduce glucose levels by blocking the body’s breakdown of carbohydrates in the intestines. They also block the absorption of some more complex sugars. These should be taken with the first bite of a meal. Side effects include gas or diarrhea.
Your doctor might prescribe combined therapy for you because all of these drugs have slightly different effects on your body. Your doctor will also prescribe specific dosages of these drugs to meets your needs. Speak to your doctor and pharmacist about the other drugs that you are also taking to ensure that you don’t have any drug conflicts.