I am sure most of you have seen the latest commercials on television advertising Byetta (Exenitide) for Type 2 Diabetes (see below). Interesting to note, Byetta actually has its origin from the saliva of the Gila Monster, a very colorful and rare, venomous lizard found in the desert regions of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. When studied, the Gila Monster was noted for going long periods of time without having to eat. This amazing little guy was found to produce a certain type of protein that slows down stomach emptying. What this means is that it stays full for prolonged periods of time! Humans are known to produce a similar type of protein, called GLP-1. Hence the new drug, Byetta was born, which is actually a synthetic form of GLP-1. Byetta comes in an injectable form, but it is important to note, it should NOT replace insulin therapy for those who require it.

Byetta was approved in the United States as early as 2005 and in the two years since it has been on the market, it has not yet been hit with any controversial allegations regarding serious, life-threatening side effects. Remember, the keyword here is "YET"! Eli-Lily, the producers of the drug, have reported huge jumps in sales hitting the $164.8 million mark for its third quarter in 2007. Currently, they are working on a more advanced version of the drug, Byetta LAR, which is a long acting release formula in an effort to promote sales growth.

Benefits of Byetta include delayed stomach emptying, an increased feeling of fullness and a reduced glucagon release from the liver thereby causing lowered blood sugar. It may also help pancreatic cells that produce insulin, live longer. Additionally, Byetta has been found to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and promote, in some cases, significant weight loss. For those patients studied, the ones who lost the most weight also had a reduction in triglycerides and an increase in their HDL's (the good cholesterol). Overall, these effects can assist individuals with not only improving diabetic health, but in reducing cardiovascular risk factors such as those associated with stroke and heart attack.

Of course, with any drug, there are side effects to consider and if they become bothersome, you should discuss them with your doctor. Your physician should also be aware of any other drugs that you might be taking that may react with Byetta. You should always make sure to bring your full list of medications with you when you visit her!

Any drug that you ingest into your body can cause a severe allergic reaction, Byetta included. If you develop hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, this is considered a medical emergency and 911 should be called immediately. Other less severe side effects of Byetta may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Loss of Appetite
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Feeling jittery

It is also important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia that could be related to taking this medication or any other diabetes medication! These are:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Rapid Heartbeat
• and in severe cases difficulty arousing and coma

Always keep a source of sugar with you if you begin to experience any of these symptoms, and be sure to teach family members about hypoglycemia as well. Of course, if those living with you are having difficulty arousing you, they should contact 911 immediately.

Remember to discuss Byetta or any other medication with your doctor prior to taking it.