What medication is really good out the counter and by prescription for diabetes type II/?

Obviously the choice of a 'best medicine' is entirely dependent upon your circumstances. Type 2 diabetics share many traits but there is a subtle difference when they are first diagnosed that I use to chose the intial treatment. Those who are 'lean' a body mass index (your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared) of less than 25 (2A) have a greater relative lack of insulin production than insulin resistance while those with a body mass index greater than 30 (2B) have a greater relative insulin resistance rather than insulin production. For those with 2A I prepare them for the harsh reality that they will do best if they start on insulin in addition to oral medications and with the insulins made available over the past 5 years we are able to do things which we had yet to imagine 10 years ago. The only insulins which should be used at this time are the basal insulins detemir and glargine and the prandial insulins aspart and lispro. (If you need additional information or clarification please let me know). In addition for 2A the oral agent sitagliptin (other gliptins are due in the next few months) was just released and it is a good place to start. For 2B I would begin with pioglitazone or rosiglitazone both of which decrease insulin resistance and most physicians are likely to use metformin although I tend to avoid this. The drugs which are no longer appropriate are glimiperide, glipizide, and glyburide. There are not over the counter medications which help a diabetic achieve and maintain control of their glucose. If you need additional information please let me know as this is an area in which I am intensely interested and if you use my university email johnerussomd@jhu.edu I am not restricted to 1500 characters. As always I wish you the very best of health. jermd

There are no over-the-counter medications to treat Type II diabetes. There are many different types of prescription medications (oral) and insulins (injected), but what is best for you and your body is best determined with the help of your physician, as everyone's case is different.

I'm sorry, but there IS no medication over the counter for diabetes Type I or 2. The drug of choice is Metformin or Glucophage and you need a doctor and a prescription to get it and the reason you need an MD is it needs to be monitored closely to ensure you are getting the proper amount of medication and you have to test your sugars at least 2x a day usually 3 - one in AM before breakfast- before supper and if there is a third- before bedtime. Your testing supplies are by script ONLY.

If you or someone you know is diagnoses with diabetes and cannot afford to get the medication or see a doctor- call your local health agency to find out where you can be treated for free.

Diabetes (either type) is a SERIOUS DISEASE. Type II diabetics are at risk for retinopathy (blindness), nephropathy (kidney failure and dialysis), neuropathy (losing feeling in hands and feet), vascular disease, heart disease, strokes and non-healing wounds.

The only way to prevent these complications is to get excellent control of your blood sugar, and this requires close supervision by a doctor. There are many prescription medications used to treat diabetes, and you'd need to discuss the particulars with your physician. (What is the "best" for you might not be the "best" for someone else)

What you CAN do is lose weight and exercise. Most diabetics (not all, but most) are obese. With weight loss, many can essentially "cure" the diabetes.

If you have diabetes, take it seriously. The complications are devastating.