Channel Guide Home Help   Top Story: People with Type 2 Diabetes Need Changes in Treatment over Time The Morning Show What Kind of Pill Is It, Anyway? The Wide World of Insulin News Flash! Diabetes Matters... In this episode Fran talks with Betty Parsons about her diabetes treatment. PLAY   What Kind of Pill Is It, Anyway?   Different diabetes pills work in different ways to keep blood sugar on track. There are several kinds of pills, and new ones are on the way. Some people take one kind of pill. Others take two kinds of pills or a combination pill because the drugs work even better together. Some people take pills and insulin. When you get your pills, ask the pharmacist what your pills do and if they have side effects, or things to look out for. Print this page out and circle the kinds of pills you take. Then write down the name of your pills, the amount to take, how many times a day to take them, and when to take them. • Sulfonylureas (SUL-fah-nil-YOO-ree-ahz). They help your body make more insulin.     Name: _____________________________________ Amount: ________ How often: _________________ When to take: _______________________________       •   Biguanides (by-GWAN-ides). They lower the amount of stored sugar that's released from your liver into your body.     Name: _____________________________________ Amount: ________ How often: _________________ When to take: _______________________________       •   Thiazolidinediones (THY-ah-ZO-lih-deen-DY-owns). They lower your insulin resistance and help insulin work better.     Name: _____________________________________ Amount: ________ How often: _________________ When to take: _______________________________       •   Meglitinides (meh-GLIT-in-ides). They help your body release a quick burst of insulin when you eat a meal or snack.     Name: _____________________________________ Amount: ________ How often: _________________ When to take: _______________________________       •   Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AL-fah gloo-KAHS-ih-dayz in-HIB-it-ers). They slow down the rate at which carbs get into your blood after you eat.     Name: _____________________________________ Amount: ________ How often: _________________ When to take: _______________________________       •   Combination diabetes pills.     Name: _____________________________________ Amount: ________ How often: _________________ When to take: _______________________________       •   Other pills.     Name: _____________________________________ Amount: ________ How often: _________________ When to take: _______________________________   PREVIOUS NEXT FEATURE