Diabetes is a disease that leads to high levels of sugar in your blood. There are many kinds of diabetes, the most common being type I (formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes) and type II (formerly called non-insulin dependent diabetes). Diabetes develops when not enough of the hormone insulin is being produced by the pancreas, or when the body develops a resistance to insulin. Insulin helps balance blood glucose levels. There are certain medications that can treat diabetes.
Metformin
Metformin is a medication used to reduce your blood glucose levels. According to Drugs.com, metformin is typically used alone or combined with other oral medications to treat people suffering from type II diabetes. Metformin's common effects include nausea, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and gas. Its serious side effects include shortness of breath, fast weight gain, body aches, fevers, chills and flu-like symptoms. It is important that you take metformin as your doctor prescribes because you may develop low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), especially if you take too much metformin. Characteristics of hypoglycemic reaction include seizures, a headache, hunger, irritability, sweating, fainting and even coma, says Drugs.com. Keep a candy bar or orange juice handy as they can rapidly elevate your blood sugar in a short period of time. Metformin is available as a tablet, and its dosage depends upon your average blood sugar levels.
Insulin
Insulin is available in man-made form to lower your blood glucose levels. Typically, insulin is used to treat type I diabetes. Like metformin, insulin's common side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). In some instances, insulin can cause a severe skin rash, trouble breathing, wheezing or fainting if you are allergic to this synthetic form. Insulin is usually given by injection. Your doctor or another medical professional will teach you how to self-inject insulin. Like metformin, your insulin dose is dependent upon your past glucose levels. Check your glucose levels regularly with a blood sugar monitoring device and visit your doctor often.
Glyburide
Like metformin, glyburide is only indicated for the treatment of type II diabetes. It also works to lower high blood sugar levels. Blurry vision, joint or muscle pain, a skin rash, nausea and feelings of fullness are glyburide's common side effects. Its serious side effects include confusion, weakness, seizures, easy bleeding or bruising, memory problems and hallucinations, says Drugs.com. You must avoid drinking alcohol when taking glyburide because the combination can lead to reduced blood glucose levels. Glyburide also makes you photosensitive to sunlight. This means that you are at higher risk for getting sunburns. This medication is a tablet that is typically taken once a day. Your doctor will determine glyburide's dosage based upon your blood sugar levels.
