To control diabetes type I and type II, medication is required along with dietary controls. People with type I diabetes require insulin injections while people with type II diabetes require medications, usually in pill form, that may eventually include insulin injections. Diabetes medications are prescription-only and may be altered in dosage or type over time by a doctor. Here are some of the basic drugs to control diabetes.
Metformin
Metformin---marketed under such brand names as Riomet, Fortamet, Glumetza, Glucophage and Glucophage XR---is the drug many doctors prescribe to patients who recently have been diagnosed with type II diabetes. It works to lower glucose levels in the blood stream. Side effects may include weight loss, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, weakness, diarrhea, cramps, drowsiness and headaches among others. Metformin often is prescribed with other medications for diabetics.
Rosiglitazone
Rosiglitazone is sold as Avandia. Rosiglitazone helps the human body both produce less insulin and use what insulin it makes better. It is a pill that may be prescribed with metformin or by itself. Possible side effects from rosiglitazone include seizures, nightmares, headaches, dizziness, depression, fatigue, heartbeat irregularities, nausea, difficulty breathing, increases in hunger and thirst, blurry vision and abdominal pain. Less severe side effects include insomnia, fever, diarrhea, a cough, pain in the joints and sneezing.
Glyburide
Brand names for glyburide include Micronase, Glycron, Diabeta and Glynase Pres-Tab. Glyburide stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin and release it into the blood. It may be prescribed with Metformin. Side effects include a rash, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, diarrhea, headaches, bad breath, agitation, convulsions, hostility, blurry vision or coma, among others.
Sitagliptin
Sitagliptin, brand name Januvia, also helps the pancreas produce more insulin. It is a pill and may be prescribed with Metformin. Possible side effects from sitagliptin include aches throughout the body, a cough, anxiety, blurry vision, weakness, seizures, nausea, unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, chills, dizziness and depression among others. Most of these side effects require a doctor's attention.
Pioglitazone
Pioglitazone is marketed as Actos in pill form. It also may be prescribed with Metformin. Possible side effects include difficulty breathing, pale skin, weakness, fatigue, chest pain, increased levels of thirst and hunger, blurry vision, dry skin, weight loss and unconsciousness.
Insulin
People with type I diabetes and some with advanced type II diabetes must inject themselves regularly with insulin. Insulin is injected to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood, which is determined by taking a sample of blood, placing it on a test strip and allowing a blood-sugar monitor to calculate the levels. Insulin may cause such side effects as seizures and loss of consciousness, weight gain and swelling.
