Know The Diabetes Drugs You Take!

Diabetes type 2 is an endocrine disease in which the patient has a chronic metabolic disorder that is brought on by insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone in the body that is necessary to properly metabolize sugar. Glucose (sugars) is necessary for the cells nourishment and energy for the body. Too high or too low levels in the blood are dangerous. Our present scientific knowledge has not perfected any cure as of this date. For this reason, a patient’s personal management of the disease is the only option. Management involves medication, diet, exercise and life style change.

I have been a diabetic for almost 30 years and have been on both oral medications and insulin shots. I presently take about six shots of insulin a day. In my situation my pancreas produces very little (if any) insulin on its own. I am borderline type 1 diabetic (no insulin production) and also near fully insulin-resistant type 2. I know about medicines. I am thankful for them, for without them I would not survive.

There are several basic classes of medications other than insulin that can be used in the control of diabetes. I include here a short introduction with web links for further research. They are:

Sulfonylurea

This is an anti diabetic drug which is mostly useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. This drug requires insulin in the body, and therefore is not recommended for type 1 diabetes. A possible side effect of all medicine therapies for glucose control is hypoglycemia (low sugar levels in the blood). For Sulfonylurea this happens when insulin production overshoots preferred levels. This may be corrected by taking sugary foods.

Meglitinides

Meglitinides treats diabetes by blocking the potassium channel in the beta cell. I do not know how this works, but his causes the opening of the calcium channel. The additional calcium triggers the beta cells to produce more insulin. Again, hypoglycemia can be induced because of too much insulin. (Note: hypoglycemia is very dangerous as it can lead to a diabetic coma or death).

Biguanides

These drugs help in lowering the blood sugar levels level by coercing the tissues of the body (especially muscle tissue) to be more receptive to insulin. Side effects may also include lactic acidosis and diarrhea.

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones is an add-on therapy for diabetes type 2. They work in the liver and help insulin to function better in the muscles and fat. It has several possible side effects including increase risk of hepatitis, liver damage, heart failure and fluid retention (see edema).

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

These are useful in the treatment of diabetics type 2 because they help in preventing the digestion of carbohydrates. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors convert carbs into monosaccharides (simple sugar) which are easily be absorbed by the intestines. The side effects of this drug include diarrhea and stomach gas and are dose associated.

All medications should (must) be under a doctor’s supervision. These are too dangerous to be otherwise. Check your blood glucose levels regularly. Ask your physician if you need to wear a medical alert bracelet. I wear mine religiously.

Note on insulin. There are many different mixtures of insulin available. Human insulin is an excellent therapy for diabetes’ management, but it is not for everyone. It is critical to get an education on injection or insulin pump therapies. I presently use multiple shot therapy. You will need to take quarterly A1C blood tests (these measure average blood glucose ranges over time). I have used a pump, but the costs are greatly overpriced in my opinion, and insurance doesn’t always cover enough (if at all!). I used Medtronic as my supplier and was very unhappy (just my opinion!). I hope your experience is better.

Good luck. Remember, you can control your diabetes, or it will control you!

Sincerely, Wbisbill