An anti-diabetic drug is used to treat diabetes mellitus. They usually work by lowering the glucose levels in the blood. There are different types of anti-diabetic drugs, and their use depends on the nature of the diabetes, age and situation of the person, as well as other factors.
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2 Sulfonylurea drugs 3 Biguanide drugs 4 Glitazones 5 Alpha-glucosidases inhibitors 6 Use of glucagon for treatment |
Insulin
Insulin is normally released when blood sugar is high, and causes cells to store glucose away, thereby reducing levels in the blood.
In type I diabetes, insulin production is impaired. Giving insulin to reduce blood sugar levels to normal will help these people.
In type II diabetes, it is the receptorss for insulin that are not effective. Insulin levels in these people will probably already be high, although in some cases giving insulin by injection can be helpful.
They work best with patients over 40 years old, who have had diabetes mellitus for under ten years. It should not be used with type I diabetes, or diabetes of pregnancy. They can be safely used with biguanides and glitazones.
The toxicity of these drugs is relatively low.
They can also be taken orally, but do not bind to plasma proteins, and have a very short half-life.
Sulfonylurea drugs
These are oral hypoglycaemic agents. They bind strongly to plasma proteins. Sulfonylureas are only useful in type II diabetes, as they work by stimulating endogenous release of insulin.Biguanide drugs
Biguanides work by increasing glucose uptake in the muscle, and decreasing glucose production in the liver.Glitazones
Alpha-glucosidases inhibitors
