Knowing Classes Of The Oral Diabetes Medications
By Sam Cyrus

Diabetes medications can be devided into many classes. There are currently five classes of oral diabetes medications which help in lowering blood glucose levels. The classes are include : sulfonylureas, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones and meglitinides. These different classes of diabetes medications can be used in combination or with insulin to achieve control the blood sugar.

Sulfonylureas, as one action of the diabetes medications, is made by stimulating the pancreas to make more insulin. This is the first drug group introduced into the U.S. in 1955. The sulfonylureas will produce more insulin by stimulating the beta cells. Meanwhile, the sulfonylureas will not work in those with Type 1 diabetes (except for a specific type) nor in anyone with Type 2 whose beta cells no longer produce insulin, even though this is the most common of the oral diabetes medications.

The other one of the diabetes medications is biguanides. Biguanides work by shuting off the liver's excess glocose production. The generic

name for this one is metformin and the brand name is glucophage. This drugs can be used with meal. For people who get congestive heart, renal or liver problems, it can not be used.

Each of the other diabetes medications has also the generic name. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors have generic name : acarbose and miglitol. Thiazolidinediones have generic name : rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. Meglitinides have the generic name : repaglinide. People need to ask the doctor for the diabetes medications. By asking the doctor, people will know which one is the most effective, or even know about the side effects of the diabetes medications. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, for instance, may have side effects in the gastrointestinal tract. While, thiazolidinediones may reduce effectiveness of birth control pills.

The diabetes medications will help control blood glucose levels along with a balanced diet and a good exercise plan. It must also be noticed that the medications should be taken at the same time each day or as directed by a health care provider.