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diabetes medications
There are many types of diabetes medications which work in different ways to help you control your blood sugars.
Learn about these medications and how they work so you are prepared to discuss your options with your diabetescare team. To lower the risk of complications, the goal for most people with diabetes is to get to an A1C test resultof less than 7 percent or an estimated average glucose (eAG) result of below 150 mg/dL. Both the A1C and eAGmeasure your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.
Medication type: sulfonylureas
and glinides
Medication type: biguanides
Names: glipizide (Glucotrol)
Names: metformin (Glucophage)
glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta)
metformin ER (extended release)
tolazamide (Tolinase)
glinides: repaglinide (Prandin),
nateglinide (Starlix)
Medication type: insulin
Most patients will choose to add
insulin to achieve or maintaintheir blood sugar goals. Insulincan be injected and helps the Medication type: thiazolidinediones
Names: pioglitazone (Actos),
rosiglitazone (Avandia)
Medication type: injectable
hormones
Medication type: alpha-glucosidase
inhibitors
Names: pramlintide (Symlin)
exenatide (Byetta)
digestion of carbohydrates; after-mealblood sugar peaks are lower Names: miglitol (Glyset), acarbose (Precose)
Information to remember about diabetes medicines • Diabetes medicines help to lower high blood sugar levels. They do not take the place of healthy
• Know when and how to take the medicines. Do not skip a dose.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet and/or carry your Personal Diabetes Record card for emergencies.
• Bring an updated list of your medications to your doctor appointment.
To learn more about your diabetes medications, find information at our website: kp.org/medicationsor consult with a pharmacist.
• When do I need to take the medicine–before a Everyone struggles with remembering to do things regularly.
There are a number of ways that can help you remember.
Below, check off things you might try:
• How often should I take the medicine? ❑ Make a simple chart and post it in an obvious place • Should I take the medicine at the same time where you will see it every day, like on the mirror in • What should I do if I forget to take my medi- ❑ Set an alarm clock or watch as a reminder.
• What kind of side effects could I have and ❑ Establish a daily routine for taking your medications, such as at bedtime, mealtime, or the beginning of a • How should I manage my medications when I daily TV show, such as the evening news.
am sick and can’t keep my food or drinks ❑ Use a pillbox that has sections, representing the days ❑ Record taking your medications on a wallet card or It’s easy to get prescription refills at Kaiser Permanente pharmacies.
• Please re-order your medications at least 7 to 10 days before you run out.
• Use EasyFill, our automated phone prescription refill system. Find the number to call in the upper right-hand corner of your prescription label, or call the pharmacy near you.
• Refill prescriptions at our website: Visit kp.org. and click on “Refill prescriptions” under the “My Health For other healthy living resources, please visit kp.org/healthyliving and join our “HealthMedia® Care™ forYour Health” to get ideas to manage your condition.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of medical advice or care you receive from your physician or othermedical professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have further questions, please consult your doctor. If you have questions or needadditional information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse any brand names; any similarproducts may be used.
2003, The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Regional Health Education.
011061-212 (Revised 8-10)

Source: http://www.mtipharm.com/_downloads/6855.pdf