Diabetes Medications
Any diabetic medicine should not be taken without consulting a doctor. People who think they have diabetes, or are diagnosed with diabetes, must first get their physical checkup done and consult a doctor. There are two types of diabetes type 1 and type 2, and the medications for both are very different, that’s why stress has been put on not taking any diabetes medication without consulting a doctor.
Type 1 diabetes is commonly known as juvenile diabetes, as it can occur at a very young age. In this type of diabetes, the body does not produce sufficient insulin, or may stop producing it altogether. In this case, you need to take insulin and medications that induce production of insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs at a later stage, and is the most common type of diabetes. In this, the body produces insulin, but the fat, muscles and liver stop accepting and storing the insulin, which is used to create energy.
In any form of diabetes, diet has to be controlled and you need to exercise regularly. People with type 1 diabetes usually don’t need to take any medication; they just need to be given insulin. For type 2 diabetes, medication is prescribed depending on how badly the diabetes levels are.
Until as late as 1994, sulfonylurea was the only medication for diabetes available in the United States. This medication forces the pancreas to generate more insulin. However, if the pancreas has stopped producing insulin, or if you are allergic to any sulfa medication, this medication will not work.
The generic name for Biguanides is metformin. This ensures that the liver does not produce too much sugar, and it also lowers the insulin level in the body. You may shed a couple of pounds when you take metformin, and this helps in controlling blood glucose. It can also improve blood fat, and cholesterol levels.
There are two types of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, acarbose, and miglitol. Both block the enzymes that digest starch. What the medication does is that it controls the rise of blood sugar level right after meals. Pioglitazone and troglitazone are the generic names for Thiazolidinediones. They make the body cells more sensitive to insulin. The insulin can then convert the glucose from your body cells into energy.
Meglitinides are a new type of medication for diabetes, and helps the pancreas generate more insulin right after meals. This lowers the blood sugar level. The good thing about this medication is that it works fast. This allows you to vary your meals, and the number of times you can take them.
Your doctor will decide, which medicines to prescribe, and how many to take them. Nevertheless, you must remember that all medicines have side effects, and you must talk to your doctor about them. You should also tell the doctor if you are taking any medications already, or birth control pills. Don’t try to do your own medications, or take un-prescribed drugs. Strictly follow what your doctor tells you, and control your diet and exercise regularly. Remember by following a strict regime and maintaining a healthy life style, you can control diabetes.
- Following an appropriate meal plan
- Frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)
- Administering insulin injections and knowing how to adjust the doses depending on results of SMBG
- Controlling/treating hypoglycemia
- Adding or maintaining an appropriate level of physical activity
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