Oral Diabetes Medications

Helping Manage Type 2 Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes may manage their blood sugar levels with the help of oral diabetes medications. They are used along with healthy eating and exercise. The three therapies can work together to lower your blood glucose levels.

Oral diabetes medications are not insulin pills. They are several types of drugs designed to improve the use of insulin still present in your body. They also change the digestion of sugars and carbohydrates. Some people take them along with insulin as part of an overall therapy.

Oral medications do not work for everyone. Many people find that their blood sugar levels go down when they begin taking pills. But the levels may not stay near the targeted range.

Adding Insulin

Over time, some oral diabetes medications may have less effect on your blood sugar levels. You may require increased doses to maintain blood sugar control. This is a predictable outcome of type 2 diabetes – not a "defeat."

You may have worked hard to control your blood sugar levels with diet, exercise and oral diabetes medications. But your blood sugar levels may still be too high. It may be time to ask your doctor about insulin.

Oral Diabetes Medication Side Effects

As with any medication, there may be side effects to taking oral diabetes medications. Some common side effects may include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Upset stomach
• Skin rash or itching
• Weight gain
• Metallic taste in mouth