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Oral Medicines
Oral medicines for people with type 2 diabetes
There are many types of pills for type 2 diabetes. Each type helps to lower blood sugar (glucose) in a different way. You may need to take 1 or more types of these pills.
Only people with type 2 diabetes can use oral medicines to manage their diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin.
Diabetes pills that lower blood sugar levels include:
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Biguanides |
These pills reduce the amount of sugar made in the liver. They also lower blood sugar. |
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Sulfonylureas |
These pills get the pancreas to make more insulin. They are long-acting. |
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Meglitinides |
These pills get the pancreas to make more insulin. They work quickly. But they wear off quickly too. |
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Thiazolidinediones |
These pills help the body's cells respond better to insulin. They also reduce the amount of sugar made in the liver. |
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Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors |
These pills block the enzymes that digest starches. They also help slow the breakdown of some sugars. This stops blood sugar from rising quickly after you eat. |
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DPP-IV inhibitors |
These pills boost the body's own ability to lower blood sugar. They do this by blocking an enzyme called DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase). |
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SGLT2 inhibitors |
These pills block the kidney's ability to reabsorb sugar from the blood. Extra sugar is passed in your urine. |
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Bile acid sequestrants |
These pills are often used to lower cholesterol. But they also lower blood sugar. |
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Dopamine-2 agonists |
Experts think these medicines help the body's cells respond better to insulin. |
Some people with type 2 diabetes may take a combination of diabetes pills and insulin. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about your treatment options. Together you will decide on a plan that works best for you. Follow your provider's directions. He or she will tell you the times, dosage, and frequency of each type of medicine prescribed.
Having a healthy diet and a regular exercise program are also important. That can help control diabetes, even when taking oral medicines. These pills are made to work with diet and exercise. They don't replace them.
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