Diabetes medications have been developed over the years and their effectiveness has been proven by the people who use them. Diabetes medications are basically to lower the sugar level in the blood and to stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. It also has another function that is to increase the body cells’ sensitivity towards insulin particularly for type 2 diabetes. However, diabetes medications also have to be combined with other aspects in diabetes management program so that it reaches its efficiency.

Currently, there are 5 categories of diabetes medications, all taken orally. Every category of medications has their different functions and actions. The first category is sulfonylureas. Sulfonylureas helps to stimulate the pancreas to resume its normal function, which is to produce more pancreas. This category of medication is a must for type 1 diabetes patients as their pancreas cannot produce adequate insulin to cope with the sugar level in the blood. A few brand names of sulfonylureas are glucotrol and amaryl.

The second class of diabetes medication is meglitinides. Meglitinides has the same function as sulfonylureas, which is to stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. Again, it suits diabetes type 1 patients as their pancreas can only produce limited insulin. One brand name of meglitinides is Prandin.

Thiazolidinediones is another class of diabetes medication. It is different as Thiazolidinediones helps to increase the body’s sensitivity towards insulin. This medication is suitable for type 2 diabetes because the patients’ body is able to produce insulin but the cells themselves are not able to accept them. Sometimes, the white blood cells also attack the insulin, perceiving the insulin as foreign bodies that pose a threat to the body. By taking this medication, the body cells will not resist insulin aggressively. Its brand name is Avandia and Actos. One side effect of taking Thiazolidinediones is that it may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

The next two medications’ functions are to slow down the glucose level and other risk factors in the body. Biguanides for example, helps to slow down the liver’s production of glucose. This applies to both classes of diabetes as it just reduces the level of glucose in the body. Glucophage, a brand name of Biguanides, may possess side effects for people with liver, renal problems and congestive heart.

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors helps to slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. Carbs is a risk factor in causing obesity which in turn a risk factor for diabetes type 2. By slowing the absorption of carbs, cells won’t be so resistant towards insulin. Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors which has brand name Precose may possess side effects in the gastrointestinal tract.

Basically, these 5 classes of medications are used in diabetes treatment. It is best to consult your doctor on which medications are the best for you.