Type 2 diabetes is a disease that causes the body to produce inadequate amounts of insulin. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating healthfully and exercising can sometimes control type 2 diabetes. Other times, medications will be necessary.
Types
Insulin is an injectable medication that is often prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. Oral medications, such as Amaryl, as well as other injectable medications including Symlin and Byetta, are also common medications for diabetics, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Function
Different diabetes medications work by either stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin or preventing the liver from making too much glucose.
Considerations
Before prescribing medication, a doctor will consider include how high or low a diabetic's blood sugar levels are, what other medications he takes and where a woman is in her menstrual cycle.
Benefits
According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes medications may have benefits beyond reducing glucose levels or raising insulin levels. Some can lower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol or stimulate weight loss.
Side Effects
Some medications for type 2 diabetes can cause unwanted side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic. These include diarrhea, low blood sugar, weight gain, swelling, heart failure and liver problems.
