I would say metformin. It decreases glucose production by the liver, which can help lower fasting levels as well as levels of glucose after eating, it is also weight neutral and can even be associated with modest weight loss (which is a good thing in type 2 diabetics – and neither of those drugs is appropriate for type 1s). Plus it’s relatively inexpensive. Actos and other TZDs are third line for diabetics, I would start an oral insulin secretagogue (such as glipizide or amaryl) and metformin before starting a drug in the same class as amaryl
Actos is much more effective. Metformin only effects the digestive system slightly and can only be effective in minor cases. Actos is also MUCH more expensive.
I would say metformin. It decreases glucose production by the liver, which can help lower fasting levels as well as levels of glucose after eating, it is also weight neutral and can even be associated with modest weight loss (which is a good thing in type 2 diabetics – and neither of those drugs is appropriate for type 1s). Plus it’s relatively inexpensive. Actos and other TZDs are third line for diabetics, I would start an oral insulin secretagogue (such as glipizide or amaryl) and metformin before starting a drug in the same class as amaryl