List of Drugs for Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes. Type I can occur at any age, often in young people. In Type I diabetes, the pancreas either creates no insulin or very little. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose, a type of sugar used to give the body energy. Type II diabetes often occurs in older people. A third type of diabetes, called gestational diabetes, occurs in some pregnant women and may affect the development of the fetus.

Insulin Lispro

For Type I diabetes, patients most often must take regular injections of insulin. You can inject it yourself after it is prescribed by your doctor. There are several different types. Insulin lispro protamine and insulin lispro, sold under the Humalog label, are combinations of manufactured and human insulin. Side effects may include anxiety, depression, rapid heartbeat, increases in hunger and thirst, mood changes, confusion and coma.

Insulin Aspart

Insulin aspart protamine or insulin aspart are sold under the NovoLog brand. Side effects may include dizziness, headaches, cramps, itchiness, convulsions, depression, anxiety, blurry vision, seizures, swelling in the face, nightmares, nausea and weight gain.

Insulin Glargine Recombinant

Insulin glargine, recombinant, marketed as Lantus, is an injected insulin solution for people with Type II diabetes. It may be used in combination with medications in pill form to control blood-sugar levels. Side effects may include anxiety, lightheadedness, drowsiness, speech difficulties, nightmares, headaches, nausea, behavioral changes, blurry vision and rapid heartbeat. Serious side effects include seizures and unconsciousness.

Glyburide

Glyburide is a pill sold under such names as Diabeta, Micronase, Glycron and Glynase PresTab may be prescribed to treat Type II diabetes. It is classified as a sulfonylurea, which forces the pancreas to produce more insulin. Side effects include swallowing difficulties, hives, dizziness, diarrhea, fever, nausea, a rash, bad breath, dark urination, body weakness and difficulty breathing. More serious side effects may include agitation, hostility, confusion and coma.

Metformin

Metformin, sold as Fortamet, Glumetza, Glucophage and Riomet, also is used to treat Type II diabetes by itself or in combination with other drugs including repaglinide, sitagliptin, glyburide, rosiglitazone, glipizide and pioglitazone. Metformin is sold as a pill or liquid. It may produce such side effects as low blood sugar, weakness, cramps, breathing difficulties, nightmares, confusion and speech slurring. Side effects requiring medical attention include stomach pain, weight loss and vomiting. The medication cannot be used to treat Type I diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes may occur in women who are pregnant, and it likely will disappear after the birth of the child. Most often it is controlled with diet and exercise, but a doctor also may prescribe injections of insulin to regulate blood-sugar levels. Doctors also may prescribe glyburide.