How Do Diabetes Tablets Work?

Disorders Cure

oi-Suparna Chakaraborthy

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 15:11

When should I take tablets, before or after food?
Some tablets should be taken before and some after food. Some tablets even should be taken with the first bite of food, because that is the time they work best. This is very important and you should make this clear from your doctor. If it is before, correct time is around 30 minutes before food.

S.NO Name Mech of action Max dose 1 Sulphonylurea Stimulates insulin secretion from pancreas a Glibenclamide 15mg/day b Glimeperide 8mg/day c Glipizide 20mg/day d Gliclazide 320mg/day 2 Metformin Decreases hepatic production of glucose and increases utilisation 3gm/day 3 Glitazone Insulin sensitisers a Pioglitazone 45mg/day b Rosiglitazone 8mg/day 4 Glinides Stimulates insulin secretion Repaglinide 0.5-16mg/day 5 Acarbose Inhibits digestive enzyme 6 Gliptin Increases Insulin and suppresses anti-Insulin hormone called Glucagon 100mg/day

How do they work?

Different tablets work in different ways. Some stimulate the pancreas to produce more Insulin, some tries to help body"s Insulin to work more efficiently while some others do not allow sugar to be absorbed from the stomach. Few tablets work in more than one way.

Can I combine different tablets together?
Yes, if needed. Generally the rule of thumb is to try the maximum dose or maximum tolerated dose of one group and then combine the second tablet from a different group so that they can work together. But now-a-days we are using combination tablet even from the beginning.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.