They say to take diabetes medication before meals, but I was told to take it after meals. Why is that?

The timing of taking diabetes medication varies depending on the type of medication.

Because each medication works through different mechanisms in the body.

There are specific times for taking medication to maximize its effectiveness and minimize side effects.

Medications that promote insulin secretion from the pancreas (sulfonylurea class, meglitinide class) should be taken 30 minutes before meals or just before eating to control blood sugar levels.

Delays the hydrolysis of carbohydrates and disaccharides and the absorption of sugars

Medication (alpha-glucosidase inhibitor) should be taken immediately before meals or together with meals.

Medications that enhance insulin action in the liver, muscles, and adipose tissue (such as biguanides like metformin) are recommended to be taken with meals or immediately after eating.

Recently widely used DPP-4 inhibitors increase insulin secretion from the pancreas.

This medication increases incretin hormones to help regulate blood sugar, and it can be taken regardless of meals.

There are many types of diabetes medications, and many combination drugs that mix two mechanisms.

You must be sure to know the exact way to take the prescribed medication.

(Help=Kim In-kyung, Head of the Pharmacy Team at Kyunghee University Hospital)

One-line summary: Make sure to ask the exact time to take your prescribed medication!