Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce adequate amounts of insulin or the body's cells are resistant to the effects of insulin. Diabetes medications either replace insulin that is not produced or stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin or enhance insulin sensitivity in the body's tissues. While these medications are beneficial in treating diabetes, patients with diabetes should be aware of major complications, or side effects, associated with each one.
Metformin
Metformin is an oral diabetes drug that is commonly prescribed early in the course of diabetes. According to the Drugs.com website, metformin decreases the production of glucose in the liver, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose and improves insulin sensitivity in the body's tissues. A further benefit of metformin is that it does not cause glucose levels to be too low and it may help a patient lose weight, notes the website. However, metformin does have associated side effects. In 53 percent of patients, diarrhea was reported in those who regularly were taking metformin, according to Drugs.com, and nausea and vomiting, excessive gas, indigestion and abdominal discomfort occurred in 25 percent, 12 percent, 7 percent and 6 percent, respectively. A patient should let his doctor know of side effects he is experiencing.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are also common medications prescribed, states MayoClinic.com. Sulfonylureas such as glyburide stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin through an unknown mechanism of action. Drugs.com states that glyburide is effective initially but may decline in effectiveness over time. Although beneficial in increasing blood levels of insulin, sulfonylureas have major side effects. The most common effect is hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This occurs because sulfonylureas may cause an overstimulation of the pancreas that results in too much insulin release. This may cause a patient to feel weak, dizzy and lightheaded. In this case, a dose adjustment is necessary. Other side effects include nausea, heartburn, skin reactions and abnormal electrolytes, states Drugs.com.
Insulin
Insulin is prescribed in type 1 diabetes, when the pancreas does not produce adequate insulin to control blood glucose levels. In addition, insulin is prescribed in type 2 diabetes when oral medications are no longer effective. Insulin stimulates glucose uptake in the body's tissues and slows the liver's production of glucose. The most common side effect of insulin is hypoglycemia, which causes nausea, headache, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, fast heartbeat or seizure, states Drugs.com. A patient should always carry a piece of candy or glucose tablet to take in the case of hypoglycemia.
