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Diabetes Medications

For some people with type 2 diabetes, dietary changes and exercise aren't enough to keep blood glucose levels in check. Diabetes medications can help control type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing glucose output, impacting carbohydrate absorption, or stimulating the pancreas to step up insulin production, making diabetes medications another great addition to effective diabetes management.

Looking for information about a specific medication? Start here.

For more information on the seven main classes of medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and combinations thereof, click below.

Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors
Alpha Glucosidase (AL-fa gloo-KOS-ih-dayss in-HIB-it-ers) slow the absorption of the starches you eat.
Biguanides
Biguanides (by-GWAN-ides) decrease the amount of glucose made by your liver.
D-Phenylalanine
D-Phenylalanine (dee-fen-nel-AL-ah-neen) derivatives help your pancreas make more insulin quickly.
DPP-Inhibitors
DPP-IV inhibitors boost production of the incretin gut hormones GLP-1 and GIP to help lower blood glucose levels.
Meglitinide
Meglitinide is a type 2 oral medication that helps your pancreas make more insulin right after meals.
Combination Oral Medicines
Metformin combinations are used for type 2 diabetes patients when response to metformin monotherapy is inadequate.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas (SUL-fah-nil-YOO-ree-ahs) stimulate your pancreas to make more insulin. These are sometimes used in conjunction with insulin injections.
Thiazolidinedione
Thiazolidinedione (THIGH-ah-ZO-li-deen-DYE-owns) make you more sensitive to insulin.
GLP-1 Agonists
GLP-1 agonists work in conjunction with other drugs to help people with type 2 maintain control.
Amylinomimetics
Amylinomimetics are synthetic drugs that act like a naturally occurring hormone called amylin. These can be used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Organizing Your Diabetes Medications
Start here to get your diabetes medications organized.
Drugs That Affect Blood Glucose Levels
Diabetes drugs aren't the only medications that affect blood sugar. Read our list of drugs that may cause blood sugar highs and lows.
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There's Always a Plan
52 Views 0 comments 01/17/13
by Lindsey Guerin
I desperately need to set some goals to get my management back on track. For the first time in months, I have no idea what my 7 day average is, let alone my 30 or 90 day average. I'm certainly not checking as often as I should be and I just can't seem to take time for tracking anything...
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