Type 2 diabetes is an increasingly common disease in the United States. The American Diabetes Association reports that, as of 2007, the year with the latest reliable data, 7.8 percent of the population had this disease. It is characterized by the pancreas' inability to produce enough insulin or by the body's ability to effectively use the insulin produced. The result is too much glucose, or sugar, in the bloodstream. Many medications are available to help manage Type 2 diabetes. These drugs are referred to as antiglycemics and are available in both oral and injectable form. The medications are prescribed when a patient is unable to manage his diabetes with diet and exercise. Several of the newer drugs continue to be covered by their patents and do not have generic equivalents available at this time.
Individual Oral Medications
Prandin and Starlix are in the class meglitinides and act on the special cells in the pancreas to promote more insulin production. Avandia and Actos are thiazolidinediones that work to lower the production of glucose in the liver as well as assist the body's available insulin to be more effective in fat and muscle tissue. Medications in this class have been linked to an increased chance of liver problems, so users are monitored closely, according to the ADA, which adds that both Avandia and Actos also may increase the risk of heart failure in some people. Precos and Glyset are classified as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and are effective at preventing starch breakdown in the intestines, therefore lowering available glucose in the blood. DPP-4 is the newest classification of oral diabetes medicines and includes Januvia and Onglyza. Both act to limit secretion of insulin from the pancreas as well as reduce the liver's production of glucose.
Combination Oral Medications
Because the various classifications of oral medicines affect the body in different ways, patients who are unable to control their disease with one medication may benefit from adding a second drug that works in a slightly different manner. Instead of simply adding a second pill, physicians order combination medicines in the hope that patients will be more compliant with their drug regimen. According to Drugs.com, Avandamet, Actoplus Met, Prandimet and Janumet are combinations of the generic drug metformin with Avandia, Actos, Prandin and Januvia, respectively. Avandaryl and Duetact are composed of the generic glimepiride with Avandia or Actos, respectively.
Injectable Medications
Symlin, Byetta and Victoza are medications that are injected into the body to help bring down levels of blood glucose. Both Symlin and Byetta are taken with meals, whereas Victoza is dosed only once daily. As with all Type 2 diabetes drugs, the injectables are intended for use with a diet and exercise program, not as a substitute. Additionally, a physician will only prescribe these medications if a patient is unable to effectively manage his diabetes with other antiglycemic medicines, according to Drugs.com.
