The final oral medication that type 2 diabetics use are meglitinides. These drugs stimulate the body to release insulin when the person eats. While this drug helps to increase the natural production of insulin, it is not always 100% effective and hypoglycemia can develop. To help improve the chances that you won't become hypoglycemic you can carry with you hard candy, glucose tablets, and insulin. The two common drugs from this family are Repaglinide and Nateglinide.
The main side effects that this drug has are that may over stimulate or under-stimulate the pancreas' insulin production. As a result you may develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). In order to treat these conditions if they occur it is important that you know the warning signs and treatment procedures of each of these conditions, as fast treatment of both of these symptoms will help you to avoid serious health problems.
Meglitinides also have a tendency to interact with, or impair the effectiveness of the following drugs:
Aspirin
Salicylates
Beta-Blockers
Diuretics
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Phenothiazine
Steroid based drugs
Sulfa-based drugs
Thyroid medication
Hormonal Birth Control
Erthromycin
Ketoconazole
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Rifampin
Warfarin
How Do I Know What Drug Treatment to Use?
The best way to understand how each of these drug treatments will impact your current health is to talk to your doctor and ask questions. Ask for pamphlets and other reading materials on these treatments and ask why your doctor is prescribing you certain medications. Your best defense against diabetes is knowledge.