Side effect: The side effect is sometimes the drug might cause flatulence

There are a few type of drugs that reduce blood sugar levels and the most important drugs are the Sulphonylureas family and Biguanides family.

Sulphonylureas

The machanism of this type of drugs is replenishing insulin secretion. In other words, the alpha cells of the pancreas in the patients body are still able to secrete low but in adequate amount of insulin. Therefore, this type of drugs augments the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. There are several brand names for this family of drugs but their therapeutic effects are very much the same.

Side effects :

There is a risk of low blood pressure especially in elderly patients who has taking this drug for a long period of time. Therefore, this type of drugs must be prescribed by medical specialists.

This type of drugs encourage weight gain. The condition is worse in obese patients as obesity will increase the insulin resistance in the body. This is because the cells are covered by a layer of fat oil. Thus, it is more difficult for pancreas to open the "door" (receptors) of the cells to allow the blood sugar to enter.



Biguanides

Currently there is only one brand name for this family of drugs, which isl "Metformin". The mode of action of this drug is reducing the source of blood sugar, which is also assisting insulin to allow more blood sgar to enter into the cells. At the same time, this drug can also strengthen the tissues in the human body sothat more blood sugar can be utilized. This type of drug has the following benefits:

1) Suitable for type 2 diabetic patient

2) Suitable for obese diabetic patient. This drug is the first line medicine used by obese diabetic patients.(Translator note:Anorexic—Because of this function, Biguanides suitable for obese patients to cause them to reduce their food intake, lower their body weight, and improve the peripheral function of insulin.)

Side effects:

The side effect of this type of drug is the discomfort in the stomach and intestines. Hence, this drug should be taken after meal. However, those with kidney disorder should not take this type of drugs.

Thiazolidinediones

This type of drugs is able to enhance sensitivity of insulin. In other words, it helps blood sugar to enter into cells more easily. If Sulphonylureas and Biguanides mentioned above fail to reduce blood glucose level effectively, then thiazolidinediones drugs should be used.

Acarbose

Blood glucose levels definitely increase after the patients has eaten meal. This type of drugs is able to reduce the blood glucose levels increased after a meal.

Side effect: The side effect is sometimes the drug might cause flatulence


Insulin

Nearly 25% of diabtic patients need to inject insulin. It is a type of Polypeptide Hormone. When insulin comes into contact with gastric acid, it become ineffective. Therefore, the patients have to inject into body directly.

After Insulin injection, the patients should monitor their blood glucose levels. The blood glucose level after meal should between 4 to 9 mm01/L. Most patients should use insulin of mid-term effects and with two injections per day.

The drugs mentioned above are different methods to reduce the blood glucose in diabetic patients. Although they have high therapeupic effects, each type of drugs does have their side effects.

Translation from Sin Chew Daily dated 21 March 2006