Drugs Used to Manage Type 2 Diabetes

An estimated 20 million Americans have a condition commonly referred to as diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, there is insulin resistance or decreased production of natural body insulin. Insulin is a hormone responsible for decreasing the amount of glucose in the bloodstream and regulating the use of glucose by body cells. In type 2 diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood stream because of a malfunction in either the production of insulin or cellular resistance to insulin. Signs of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, and extreme hunger. The cause is not clearly known, although abdominal fat and inactivity may play an important role.

Healthy eating and regular physical activity are key components of keeping diabetes under control. Diabetes medications may be required in addition to healthy lifestyle habits. Sulfonylurea drugs, such as glipizide (Glucotrol) work to help the body produce more insulin. Metformin (Glucophage) improves the body’s utilization of insulin, as well as helps the body to produce less glucose and absorb less glucose from food. Thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Glyset) work to improve the body’s use of glucose and help the body produce less glucose. Insulin therapy may be necessary for some persons with diabetes.