Type 2 Medication Madness...or What am I taking?

The First thing that happens as a Diabetic is that they decide what type of medication is best suited for where you are in the disease.  My first medication was Metformin then went on to add Glipizide.  I am a type 2 Diabetic so these are pretty standard drugs.  I don't really know much about the Diabetic Drugs out there so I am doing some research so that I can learn about the options and alternative's  if I have to change drugs to manage my Diabetes.

The Oldest type of Diabetic Drug is a Sulfonylureas.  These drugs work to stimulate the pancreas to increase the production of Insulin.  Currently the oldest one of these drugs on the market is Chlorpropamide  Diabinese.

 The second-generation Sulfonylureas are taken once or twice a day. They include Glipizide Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL, Glyburide Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase, and Glimepiride Amaryl.

Source: http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

Meglitinides also stimulate the release of more insulin from beta cells. Repaglinide Prandin and Nateglinide Starlix are taken before each of three meals.

There is a medication that decreases your glucose production and increases your insulin on This Drug is a Biguanides.  Metformin Glucophage, is the only medication that  works by decreasing production of glucose by the liver and by making muscle more sensitive to insulin.

Source:  http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

Thiazolidinediones work in a simular manner as Metformin does. These drugs are:   
 Rosiglitazone Avandia  Pioglitazone Actos.

The interesting thing that I found while reading was that there were drugs that slowed down the breakdown of carbohydrates and sometimes even stopped them or blocked them from absorption.  My doctor has never spoke of the option of drugs with me and since I now know that this information is out there I can talk with him and stay better informed on the options that I have. 

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are the drugs that slow down the absorption of carbohydrates.  These drugs slow the inhibiting the breakdown of starches in the intestine, these medications slow the rise in blood sugar normally seen after a meal.
Source:  http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

The drug DPP-4 inhibitor Sitagliptin Januvia. This drug works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme in the body that leads to increase in insulin release. It also decreases the production of glucose by the liver.
 Source:  http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192

There are non-insulin injectable drugs that are also used for type 2 Diabetes to read more about these types of drugs available for use as a Diabetic go to this website.
 http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=104192&page=2

There are options out there also for natural help and I will be doing a follow up article on it so that you are aware of naturopathic options.

I hope this has helped you on some of the type 2 medications and by reading the links you will be able to understand these medications even further.  By staying informed you can make proper decisions along with your doctors on how to best manage your Diabetes.

Together as a community we can support one another and offer each other the knowledge to get through this one day at a time.  If you have a story a blog post you would like to write or any other things you wish to discuss or chat about connect with me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.