Understanding Oral Diabetic Medications

Oral diabetic medications are prescription drugs used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes type 2. They are taken by mouth and work in various ways to control glucose.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription from healthcare providers, Pharmacies
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Oral Diabetic Medications FAQ


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What are oral diabetes medications?

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/23/2022. Learn more about our editorial process. Oral diabetes medications (taken by mouth) help manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people who have Type 2 diabetes. Metformin is the most common.

How do oral diabetes medications work?

Insulin resistance is a complex phenomenon. Oral diabetes medications work in different ways to lower blood sugar, including helping your pancreas produce more insulin. Beyond medication, exercise is a key part of naturally reducing insulin resistance. What are the types of oral diabetes medications?

Can oral diabetes medications help lower blood glucose levels?

All oral diabetes medications share one goal: To help lower blood glucose levels (and your A1c) to a healthy range. A significant contributor to the development of Type 2 diabetes (and gestational diabetes) is insulin resistance.

Can you take oral medications if you have diabetes?

You can take some oral diabetes medications alongside insulin injections. People with gestational diabetes may also need to take oral medication (metformin) if dietary changes and exercise don’t help enough to keep their blood sugar levels within range. Are there oral medications for Type 1 diabetes?

Oral Diabetic Medications References

If you want to know more about Oral Diabetic Medications, consider exploring links below:

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