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When we think of diabetes treatment drugs, insulin is usually the first word that springs to mind. However, many Type 2 diabetics do not need to take insulin to control their blood sugar levels, at least not in the early stages. There are a wide variety of diabetes treatment drugs available in tablet form that your doctor is likely to prescribe before you reach the stage where insulin is necessary. A few of the type 2 diabetes treatments available are discusses below, along with their potential side effects.

One of the most common diabetes treatment drugs taken in tablet form is sulphonylureas, taken once or twice a day. It works by increasing natural insulin manufacture in the body, so insulin injections are unnecessary. The types of sulphonylureas available include glibenclamide, glimepiride, and chlorpropamide, and they can cause various side effects. Sulphonylureas work over a long time period so they can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, causing a hypo. They are also known to cause nausea, stomach problems and excessive weight gain. On rare occasions diabetics taking sulphonylureas can experience a lumpy red rash on their skin.

Often known as metformin, biguanide is another diabetes treatment drug, but it works very differently to sulphonylureas. Biguanide reduced the release of glucose by the liver, as well as assisting the movement of insulin throughout the cells of the body. Taking biguanide with food can reduce the potential side effects which include nausea, diarrhoea and stomach problems.

Thiazolidinediones are a relatively new diabetes type 2 treatment drug, that comes in two distinct forms, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. This drug is designed to overcome insulin resistance in the body, enabling type 2 diabetics to use their naturally produced insulin more effectively. Side effects of this diabetes treatment include weight gain, fluid retention and headaches. It can also lead to upper respiratory track infections in rare cases.

Another diabetes treatment that can be used before insulin becomes necessary is prandial glucose regulators. This works by increasing the amount of insulin manufactured by the pancreas, and are effective over a short period, reducing the chances of experiencing a hypo due to overly low blood sugar. Prandial glucose regulators should be taken three times a day, and taking them with food should minimise the side defects such as an upset stomach and nausea. Another potential side effect of prandial glucose inhibitors is excessive weight gain, but this can be managed by altering your dosage.

Some diabetes treatment drugs reduce the rate at with starchy foods are absorbed into the blood, thus ensuring that your blood sugar level does not rise too rapidly. These are known as alpha glucose inhibitors, or acarbose. There are a few side effects associated with acarbose, such as wind, bloating and diarrhoea, but these can be lessened by beginning with a low dose and building up to three tablets a day.

DPP-4 inhibitors are a type of diabetes treatment that increases levels of the incretin hormone, which occurs naturally in the body. This hormone is produced when we eat and helps us to produce the required amount of insulin, whilst limiting glucose production in the liver. DPP-4 inhibitors can be taken along with other tablets such as thiazolidinediones, but not with insulin. The side effects of these diabetes treatment drugs depend largely on what you are taking them with, but they have a small risk of causing hypoglycaemia.

Eventually most type 2 diabetics do need to take insulin, when their pancreas is no longer able to manufacture enough to control their blood sugar. Although many people dread having to inject insulin, the needles are actually very small, depositing the drug just under the skin. Insulin can be injected into various areas of the body including thighs, buttocks, and stomach, and injection sites should be varied to avoid insulin build up. Those that can't face injections could consider using an insulin pump, and there are other methods under development including a patch and an inhaler.

This Diabetes article is provided by Articleteller - The Free Article Directory http://www.articleteller.com

Lisa Janse is a professional writer who specializes in health issues. Learn more about coping with Diabetes by reading more useful and interesting facts on Diabetes Diets at www.sugardiabetes.net

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Diabetes Treatment Drugs That Are Available To Type 2 Diabetics

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