| Abstract: |
This patient education guide provides information about the various drugs that may be used to treat type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or it does not use insulin as effectively as it should. The guide reviews the common kinds of diabetes medications, how they work in type 2 diabetes, their side effects, and costs. The authors remind readers that different kinds of diabetes pills work in different ways to control blood glucose levels, and sometimes combining two different kinds of diabetes pills can work better to lower blood glucose than a single medication can. Specific medications covered include biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. The guide also describes self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) tests, and readers are encouraged to perform an SMBG test and to have their glycosylated hemoglobin levels checked a few times a year. Some common side effects of diabetes medications include weight gain, stomach problems, swelling, effects on cholesterol levels, hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, and congestive heart failure. The guide does not cover the other components of treating type 2 diabetes, including diet and exercise. Readers are encouraged to consult the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s website at www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov or the Medline Plus website at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabetes.html for more information. |