Oral diabetes medicines help control blood glucose
levels in people whose bodies still produce some insulin, such as
some people with type 2 diabetes. These medicines are prescribed
along with specific dietary changes and regular exercise. Many oral
diabetes medications may be used in combination to achieve optimal
blood glucose control. This guide provides general information
about the different oral medicines for diabetes. It will help you
learn more about your medication. Always take your medicine exactly
as prescribed by your doctor. Discuss your specific questions and
concerns with your health care provider. The following are various
categories of oral medicines.
| Medication Classification | How it Works |
Second generation sulfonylurea
(Glucotrol®, Amaryl®, and DiaBeta®) | These medications lower blood glucose by stimulating Beta cells
in the pancreas to release more insulin |
Biguanide (Glucophage®) | This medication works primarily by decreasing the amount of
glucose produced by the liver. It also improves insulin's
actions in the body and slows the conversion of carbohydrates into
sugar. |
Sulfonylurea and biguanide combination
(Glucovance®, Metaglip®) | This combination stimulates the pancreas to release more
insulin, improves insulin's action in the body and lowers the
amount of glucose produced by the liver. |
Thiazolidinedione (Actos®, Avandia®) | This medication improves insulin sensitivity in the body, which
increases the uptake of glucose into muscle, fat, and liver
tissue. |
Thiazolidinedione and biguanide combination
(Avandamet®, Actoplusmet®) | This combination improves insulin sensitivity at receptors in
fat, muscle, liver, and peripheral tissues and lowers the amount of
glucose produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestines. |
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (Precose®,
Glyset®) | This medication lowers blood glucose by delaying the breakdown
of carbohydrates, thereby reducing glucose absorption in the small
intestine. This medication blocks certain enzymes to slow down the
digestion of some starches. |
Meglitinide
Repaglinide (Prandin®)
Nateglinide (Starlix®)--Not chemically a meglitinide, but
has similar characteristics | These medications lower blood glucose by stimulating the
pancreas to release more insulin. However, it is necessary to take
this medication before meals, otherwise the insulin that is
released is blocked and will not lower blood glucose. |
DPP-4 inhibitors
(Januvia®) | For Type 2 diabetes, affects the incretin system, which helps to
control blood sugar by affecting alpha and beta cells. Works only
when the blood sugar is elevated |
Second Generation Sulfonylurea
| Medication Name | Tablet Form | Recommended Dosage Range |
Glipizide (Glucotrol®, Glucotrol XL®) | 5 mg, 10 mg
2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg | 5-20 mg (once a day)
2.5-20 mg (once a day) |
Glyburide (DiaBeta®, Micronase®) Micronized glyburide (Glynase PresTab®) | 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 6 mg | 1.25 mg-20 mg 0.75-12 mg |
Glimepiride (Amaryl®) | 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg | 1-8 mg (once a day) |