Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas that helps the body absorb and use glucose or sugar in the blood. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are not able to produce enough insulin or to respond well to it. Drugs for diabetes help to lower blood sugar levels to the normal range in a variety of ways and are part of complete treatment program that includes nutrition, exercise, weight control and blood glucose level monitoring.
Amaryl
Amaryl is a brand name for the prescription medication glimepiride and is described as a first line of treatment to lower blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes, as described by RxList.com. It is an oral drug in the sulfonylurea class and is sold in one and four milligram tablets.
Diabinese
Diabinese contains the active ingredient chlorpropamide. This medication is prescribed to lower blood glucose and is an oral anti-diabetic drug. Diabinese is usually prescribed as a single dose taken in the morning with breakfast.
Glucatrol XL
This prescription medication helps the pancreas produce more insulin to lower blood sugar. Therefore Glucotrol XL is only prescribed for patients who do not have enough insulin but are not resistant to it. This drug contains the active ingredient glipizide and is recommended by Drugs.com for use when diabetes is under control with medications, diet and exercise.
Januvia
Januvia is the brand name for the prescription medication sitagliptin that is used to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics who are working to control the disease with a combination of medication, diet and exercise. It may also be used in combination with other diabetes medications. It is effective for patients who do not produce enough insulin and patients that are resistant to insulin. Januvia is in a class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, as explained by Drugs.com.
