Oral diabetes medications, Diabetes, conventional treatments, alternative remedies, complementary therapies, integrative therapies, mind-body therapies

Drug Category	Brand and Generic Name	How it works	Advantages	Disadvantages
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors	Glyset, Precose	Blocks the absorption of some carbohydrates in the intestine	Lowers blood glucose after meals, does not cause low blood glucose	May cause gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Biguanides	Glucophage	Helps the body use it's own insulin better: muscles use more glucose and the liver makes less glucose.	Does not cause low blood glucose, may help with weight loss and can improve blood lipids (fats).	Can't take if you drink alcohol excessively. Can cause nausea and diarrhea when started.
Meglitinides	Prandin	Reduces blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin release form the pancreas.	Rapidly absorbed by the body. Can be used alone or with metformin.	Can cause blood glucose to get too low.
Thiazolidinediones	Actos, Avandia	Works to decrease insulin resistance and improves the muscle's ability to use insulin. Does not make more insulin. >	Cannot cause blood glucose to get too low if it is the only diabetes pill taken.	Can cause liver problems. Some birth control pills may not work.
Sulfonylureas	Diabeta, Glucotrol XL Amaryl, Micronase, Glynase Generic: Glyburide, Glipizide	Lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas produce more insulin.	These are 2nd generation drugs with fewer side effects than older sulfonylureas.	Can cause blood glucose to get too low.

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