ABC News

What Are The Different Kinds Of Pills That Are Used To Treat Diabetes And When Are They Used?

Question:What are the different kinds of pills that are used to treat diabetes and when are they used?

Dr. Nathan answers the question: 'What Kinds Of Diabetes Medicines Exist?'

Answer:There are several different classes of medications to treat type 2 diabetes. Some pills increase the availability of insulin. They actually stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin. Other medications make your body more sensitive to insulin, so that whatever insulin you have -- that either you're making naturally or if you're given an insulin injection -- they will make your body more sensitive to it and will have the insulin work better. There's another group of medications that actually decreases the rate of absorption of food from your intestines. So that decreases the rate of increase in blood sugar levels that usually occurs after a meal. These medicines are used in combination or individually, and all of them are used quite commonly to treat type 2 diabetes.

Related

Next: What Is Metformin And When Is It Used?

Previous: What Kind Of Exercise Program Is Best For Someone With Type 2 Diabetes?

Comment & Contribute

Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.

More Expert Answers From The OnCall+ Diabetes Center
Watch Video
1 2 3 4 5
Section 4: Treatment News
Slideshows
1
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT