1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Diabetes

Biguanides

By Debra Manzella, R.N., About.com

Updated: May 17, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: Biguanides are a classification of oral diabetes medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. These drugs work by affecting the production of glucose that comes from digestion. They don't cause hypoglycemia and even help with weight loss and lower cholesterol numbers. They are the most commonly prescribed drugs for type 2 diabetes. Glucophage (metformin) and Glucophage XR (metformin extended release) are the most well known of these drugs.

Explore Diabetes

More from About.com

About.com is accredited by the Health On the Net Foundation, which promotes reliable and trusted online health information.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Diabetes
  4. Diabetes 101
  5. Glossary of Terms
  6. Biguanides - Diabetes Medications and Biguanides - Metformin

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.