Type II diabetes: how to use the new oral medications. Interview by David B. Jack.

Several new oral drugs have been approved for the management of type II diabetes. Metformin is an "antihyperglycemic agent" that decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with a sulfonylurea. Acarbose slows carbohydrate absorption after a meal, giving endogenous or injected insulin more time to respond to ingested glucose. Glimepiride is an insulin-sparing sulfonylurea with a once-daily dosing schedule. How might these medications fit into the primary care of older diabetics?