A1 Diabetes Info

 

Diabetes medications

Different Types of Diabetes Medications

If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes the very first thing your doctor will do is take a look at your diet. Your doctor will more than likely propose some changes to your diet, as well as alter other aspects of your lifestyle. Your doctor may, for example, suggest that you take up some form of exercise. Keep in mind that being overweight can make diabetes worse. However, if diet and lifestyle changes alone are not enough to treat your diabetes, your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications for you. Below are some of the more common diabetes medications available today.

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas are some of the oldest diabetes medications there are. They have been in widespred use for more than 50 years. Diabetes medications classified as sulfonylureas work by making the pancreas produce more insulin. This type of diabetic medication is taken once or twice a day depending on the doctor's prescription. If you are prescribed this diabetes medication, your doctor will slowly adjust your dosage over time because its side effects can be quite severe.

Biguanides

Biguanides are diabetes medications that work completely different from sulfonylureas. They work by reducing the amount of glucose that the liver releases into the body. In addition, biguanides also enable muscle cells to easily absorb glucose. This reduces the amount of insulin required and reduces the need to break down any more glucose. Biguanides are diabetes medications that should be taken at meal times in order to reduce its possible side effects.

Oral Combination Therapy

For diabetic patients who are unable to manage or control their condition with weight loss or changes in diet, they may be prescribed with a combination of sulfonylureas and biguanides, as well as other diabetes medications that may help patients. The dosage depends on individual conditions and is decided after a number of tests have been conducted by te doctor. Simply put, oral combination therapy is just your doctor prescribing two or more diabetes medications for you in specific dosages.

Diabetics have a huge, lifelong battle on their hands. It is very important that they are able to fight the disease for as many years as possible. There are a number of effective diabetes medications available to help diabetics. For your particular diabetes condition, your doctor will assess which diabetes medications to prescribe and in what combinations would be suitable for treating your condition.