Fwd: types of diabetic medications available and where they work (
Sandra,
The below information was taken from a book given to me at diabetic
education by Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, Inc. I think they make Riomet
liquid metformin.
This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always
follow the treatment recommendations of a qualified healthcare
professional.
Dale
Avandia and Actos are insulin sensitizers, they work on body’s cells
(e.g., muscle cells)
TZDs treat insulin resistance, a major cause of type 2 diabetes. by
reducing insulin resistance, tzds allow the body’s own insulin to work
better. This increases the amount of sugar that gets into the cells.
TZDs may cause weight gain. TZDs may also cause edema, which usually
appears in the lower legs. If you notice rapid weight gain or
shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider. TZDs should be
used with caution in people with liver and heart disease. Blood tests
for liver function are required.
Amaryl, DiaBeta, Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL, Glynase PresTab, Micronase
are sulfonylureas, they work on the Pancreas. Sulfonylureas help
control blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to make more insulin.
Unlike the short-acting meglitinides, these medications raise insulin
levels fro several hours. Weight gain is another common side effect.
You should not take sulfonylureas if you have serious liver or kidney
problems, or are allergic to sulfa drugs.
Glyset, Precose, are starch blockers, they work on the small
intestines. Starch blockers slow the digestion of carbohydrates in the
small intestine. They decrease peaks in blood sugar levels that occur
after meals. Rises in blood sugar after meals are one reason why your
overall blood sugar may be too high. They may cause hypoglycemia when
used in combination with other medications.
Prandin, Starlix, are Meglitinides. They work on the pancreas.
Meglitinides stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin right at
the start of a meal. This helps prevent blood sugar from rising too
high after meals. Better mealtime control lowers overall blood sugar
levels. Hypoglycemia is a possible side effect.
Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Riomet, Glucovance, Metaglip, they work
mainly in the liver. Biguanides works to control blood sugar in
several ways: prevents the liver from releasing excess sugar, helps
the body respod better to the insulin the pancreas still makes,
decreases the amount of sugar that is absorbed in the interstines.
People with liver disease, kidne problems or heart failure should not
take metformin. Metformin does not cause the body to make more
insulin, so it rarely causes low blood sugar when used alone.
Metformin as also been found to lower blood fat levels (e.g.,
cholesterol and triglycerides) and may contribute to minor weight loss.
riomet is oral metformin
glucovance - glyburide and metformin - ( sulfonylureas and metformin)
glipzide and metformin -( sulfonylureas and metformin)
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