There are several treatments for diabetes now available. Diabetes pills are just one option known to help control blood glucose levels.. Each class of diabetes pills work in a specific way. Your doctor will help you determine which diabetic medication is right for you.

Thiazolidinediones are pills that make the body more sensitive to insulin. This allows the insulin to move sugar from your blood to your cells where it can be used for energy. This diabetic medication is available under the generic names of pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. These diabetes pills do not cause hypoglycemia. Pioglitazone is usually taken once a day and rosiglitazone can be taken once or twice a day, depending on your doctor’s orders.


Meglitinides are diabetes pills that increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas immediately following meals to lower blood glucose. The generic names for these diabetic medications are repaglinide and nateglinide. Repaglinide is taken a half hour prior to or immediately before a meal. It’s maximum effect occurs within the first hour and is completely used up within three to four hours. This rapid action means that you can adjust your meal times and the number of meals you consume more easily than with other diabetes pills. You should not take this medication if you miss a meal.

DPP-4 Inhibitors are a diabetic medication taken once a day that helps lower glucose levels by increasing insulin when blood sugar levels get high. It also reduces the amount of glucose made by the liver following a meal. These diabetes pills can be taken alone or in combination with other diabetic medications. The generic name for DPP-4 Inhibitors is sitagliptin, but it can also be found under the brand name Januvia.

Filed under: Diabetic Medications

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