• Sulfonylureas
• Meglitinides
• Biguanides
• Thiazolidinediones
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
• DPP-4 inhibitors

Each one of these is effective for lowering blood glucose levels. Your doctor can help you find the medication that will work the best for you.

One of the first classifications of drugs used to control blood glucose levels, sulfonylurea drugs have been in use since the 1950s. Diabinese, Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL, Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta and Amaryl are examples of this type of drug. They are taken before meals once or twice a day. Sulfonylureas work by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to increase insulin production.

Meglitinides

This type of drug also stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. Because of this action, you must monitor your blood glucose levels carefully to guard against hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. Some of the medications included in this classification are Prandin and Stalix. Care should be taken when used with alcohol as this can cause side effects such as vomiting, flushing or sickness. These medications are taken three times a day with meals.

Biguanides

Biguanides work by making the liver produce less glucose and helping muscles to be more receptive to insulin. Glucophage is an example of this type of medication. Biguanides are normally taken twice a day and a side effect that usually goes away as your body adjusts to the medication is diarrhea.

Thiazolidinediones

Avandia and ACTOS are two drugs in the thiazolidnediones classification. They work by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the action of insulin in your muscles and fat. These drugs carry a risk of liver damage and your liver functions must be monitored closely while you are taking them. Some people may be at risk for heart failure from these drugs, but they have been found effective for reducing A1C levels.

Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors

These drugs help to block the breakdown of starches in the intestine which reduces the amount of glucose absorbed by the body. Precose and Glyset are examples of these drugs. They are taken before you eat and sometimes can cause gas and diarrhea.

DPP-4 Inhibitors

Januvia is one of the newest medications available to help control blood glucose levels. It is in the class of drugs called DPP-4 Inhibitors. These work by preventing the breakdown of a substance in your body called GLP-1 that reduces blood glucose levels. One of the advantages of this class of drugs is that they reduce blood sugar levels without causing hypoglycemia. Another advantage is that these medications only work when blood sugar levels are elevated.

All oral medications carry side effects and may not be right for everyone. You may have to try different ones or take them in combination with one another to find the best method to keep your blood glucose levels under control. Proper diet and lifestyle changes that include weight loss and not smoking can contribute to the effectiveness of diabetes medications.

Insulin

Normally your pancreas produces the hormone insulin that helps your body to break down the glucose in your bloodstream so it can use it for energy. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce enough insulin to do this. Insulin cannot be taken orally because it will be broken down too much in the digestive process. For this reason insulin must be taken via injection.

There are different types of insulin available and it comes in different strengths. Rapid-acting insulin works within 5 minutes of injection and continues to work for up to 4 hours. Regular or short-acting insulin is available in the bloodstream approximately 30 minutes after injection and is effective for up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting insulin reaches the bloodstream 2 to 4 hours after injection and can last up to 18 hours. Long-acting insulin is effective in the bloodstream 6 to 10 hours after injection and stays effective for up to 24 hours.

Insulin is most effective in people who have type 1 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes may include insulin in their drug therapy, but according to the American Diabetes Association it is not as effective as oral medications.