Acarbose Alternatives (Cont.)

 

Biguanides
Metformin (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, or Riomet®) is the only biguanide medication currently available. Metformin works by helping the body use its natural insulin better. It also decreases sugar (glucose) production by the liver, and decreases sugar absorption from the diet.

 

Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are medications that force the pancreas to make more insulin. As a result, they are very effective at controlling blood sugar, but are also more likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). These diabetes medications can include:
 
Meglitinides
Meglitinides are similar to sulfonylureas, in that they force the pancreas to produce more insulin. However, they are short-acting and are less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar. They are usually taken before every meal. Meglitinides can include:
 
Thiazolidinediones (Glitazones)
These medications work mostly by helping the body to use its natural insulin better. There are currently two thiazolidinediones available for type 2 diabetes treatment:
 
Dipeptidyl Peptidase Inhibitors
This is the newest class of oral diabetes drugs. Although more medications in this group are under development, there is currently only one medication available in the group -- sitagliptin (Januvia®). These medications increase the incretin levels in the body. Incretin is a hormone that helps to control blood sugar in the body.
(Acarbose Alternatives Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;