Many people with type 2 diabetes take medications other than or in addition to insulin to manage their diabetes. Here is a run-down of your medication options.

• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors slow the breakdown of starches in the intestine, blunting the excessive rise in blood glucose that occurs after eating. Taken with the first bite of a meal. Possible side effects: digestive problems, including gas and diarrhea. Medications available: acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset).

• Exenatide (Byetta) stimulates insulin production. Injected twice daily within an hour before morning and evening meals. Possible side effects: nausea (which may get better or go away with time), weight loss, and, in rare cases, acute pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. (A definite cause-and-effect relationship with pancreatitis has not been established.)

• Meglitinides also increase insulin production by the pancreas. Taken before all three meals. Possible side effects: hypoglycemia (but may pose less risk of hypoglycemia compared with sulfonylureas). Medications available: nateglinide (Starlix) and repaglinide (Prandin).

• Metformin decreases the liver’s glucose output and increases the muscles’ glucose uptake. Taken one to three times a day; extended-release (XR) formulations can be taken once daily. Possible side effects: nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea (can sometimes be avoided by taking with food or by using the extended-release formulations). Should not be taken by persons with decreased kidney function or certain other medical conditions. Medications available: metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet).

• Pramlintide Acetate (Symlin) is an injected medication that can reduce a person’s insulin requirement. Like lab-produced insulin, Symlin is an analogue of a naturally occurring hormone that is released by the beta cells of the pancreas and helps with blood glucose control. It is also approved for people with type 1 diabetes. Possible side effects: nausea, most commonly, which may get better with time.

• Sitagliptin (Januvia) stimulates insulin production by the pancreas. Taken once a day with or without food. Possible side effects: allergic reactions, including skin rash (rare).

• Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin production by the pancreas. Generally taken once or twice daily before meals. Possible side effects: hypoglycemia. May react with alcohol. Medications available: glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase).

• Thiazolidinediones, often called TZDs, enhance the action of the body’s own insulin in muscle and fat, plus reduce glucose production by the liver. Taken with or without a meal. Possible side effects: water retention, weight gain, congestive heart failure, and (rarely) bone fractures. One type, rosiglitazone (Avandia), may increase heart attack risk. Medications available: pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia).