Hypoglycemia is the major side effect associated with some antidiabetic agents. This occurs when the medications cause glucose (blood sugar) levels to drop too low. Patients taking sulfonylureas, meglitinides or synthetic amylin are particularly susceptible to hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Hunger (polyphagia)
• Nervousness or shakiness
• Sleepiness or confusion
• Sweating
• Pounding of the heart (palpitations)

A side effect of concern for the majority of diabetic patients who are overweight or obese is weight gain. This can result from use of sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones or meglitinides, as well as insulin.

Other side effects attributed to antidiabetic agents include:

• A skin rash or itchiness
• Headache
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Flushing (especially after consuming alcohol)
• Stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, gas and diarrhea
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Feelings of fullness
• Edema (swelling)
• Liver damage
• Interference with the body’s absorption of iron
• Anemia
• Decreased bone density

Some diabetes mediations may help patients lose weight, a desirable effect for many but not all patients. These drugs include incretin mimetics, synthetic amylin, biguanides and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.

The potential side effects of diabetes drugs vary widely according to the individual drug and the patient's conditions. Patients are advised to ask their physician about their particular medication and class of medications.