Diabetes Medication

Depending on how well the blood sugar levels are being controlled, the doctor may or may not prescribe medication for their patients. These diabetes medications are in pill form, and the patients may be prescribed more than one medication, as different medications for diabetes have different roles.

Medications that are commonly prescribed for acute diabetics include sulfonylureas and meglitinides, which cause the pancreas to create more insulin; alpha glucosidase inhibitors, which limit the absorption of carbohydrates in the body; biguanidea, which cause the liver to produce less glucose; thiazolidinediones, which make the body respond better to insulin; and D-phenylalanine, which helps the pancreas to make insulin faster.

Again, patients may be prescribed a combination of these diabetes medications in order to help their pancreas produce more insulin, to help their body to use the insulin better, to control blood sugar levels, and to aid in digestion. If the doctor determines that they do need medication for their diabetes, it is vital that people take the medication as prescribed. The patients should not skip the prescribed days, and make sure that they get their medication refilled before they run out. Also the patients need to make note of any side effects that they experience, and let their doctor know so that he can make adjustments for them.

Common side effects of diabetic medication include loss of appetite, bloating, gas, an upset stomach, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth. These common diabetic side effects typically go away after a short time; however each of the medicines listed above may also have potential serious side effects. The patients must need to read information about each medication they are prescribed to find out what they should watch for.

These medications are not a proper cure for diabetes. People must still eat right and work out regularly, and continue to monitor their blood sugar levels. Getting into the habit of taking medication regularly can be difficult. People can start by getting a pill organizer so that they will be able to tell if they have taken their medication each day. People also need to place the organizer where they will see it and possibly even trip over it every single day. The diabetic patients should take their medication at the same time each day for best results.

The unique factor of the diabetes drug, the Exubera, is that it will be inhaled through the mouth, rather than requiring the diabetic to inject the insulin into their body. This medication will, for all purposes, eliminate the need for needles, one of the more difficult aspects of life for millions of diabetics. Not only are the diabetic injections painful, but they are always sources of potential infections. The diabetic drug companies and medical professionals have given strong indication that there will be an excellent response to the new form of insulin. Exubera is dry powder human insulin that patients will be taken into the mouth by the use of an inhaler. Users will inhale the medication prior to their eating, and whenever else necessary. Exubera is actually the first inhalable medication for diabetes that will treat both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in adults.

• Emma Bullock
• 02/01/2009, 4:59 AM
• 0 Comments