Medication For Controlling Diabetes

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on August 24th, 2010

We need to know about diabetes first to understand how the medication for diabetes works. Each cell present in our body gets energy from glucose. It is the fuel that drives our body. Whenever due to some problem, the glucose present in our blood is not transmitted to the body cells, this state or condition is known as diabetes. As the body cells get starved of glucose, the level of sugar in the blood increases. This occurs primarily due to the inability of pancreas to generate the required amount of insulin, which is the hormone responsible for transporting glucose in the blood to the body cells.

Nowadays, medication for diabetes is easily available for the treatment of people who are suffering from this illness. However, these medicines alone cannot be expected to cure the disease completely. A regular exercise routine, balanced diet management, and regular monitoring of sugar level in the blood is also required to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Doctors prescribe medication for diabetes on the basis of its type.
There are two types of diabetes. In the diabetes Type 1, the pancreas beta cells that produce insulin are completely damaged. As a result, the body is rendered incapable to produce insulin. Taking injections of insulin daily might just be the only medication possible for combating the deficiency of insulin in people suffering from Type 1 diabetes.

In diabetes Type 2, the beta cells are not completely destroyed and insulin is produced by the pancreas in insufficient amounts. To cover up the insulin deficiency and treat this type of diabetes, a wide variety of medication is available and can be prescribed by a doctor.

The insulin hormone is generally injected into body tissue known as adipose tissue. From there, it is then absorbed into the blood. Insulin is available in various types and some last for a long time, while the other types act quickly. It is important to consult your doctor before choosing the insulin type. A doctor is the best person to recommend the type of insulin depending on the type of your diabetes and your lifestyle.

Doctors prescribe insulin on the basis of the three parameters of onset, peak time, and duration. Physicians generally prescribe medication on the basis of a combination of these three types. A medical device called Insulin pump has gained prominence as it facilitates independence and flexibility in the fulfillment of a body’s insulin needs.

People suffering from diabetes Type 2 are prescribed oral medication of the following types:

Sulfonylureas increase the production of insulin. However, they can lower the blood sugar level abnormally. They also stop functioning after some time.

Biguanides decrease the level of glucose produced in the body. However, they can also result in weight loss.

Meglitinides are drugs taken before a meal to increase insulin production.

Thiazolidinediones are drugs that promote the functioning of body cells in accepting insulin. However, they can lead to heart attacks as a possible side-effect.

DPP-4 Inhibitors are a recent development. They lower the level of sugar in the blood by blocking the action of the enzyme known as dipeptidyle peptidase IV.

Consult about the side effects of diabetes medication, such as metallic taste, appetite loss, diarrhea, gas, and bloating, with your physician before incorporating these drugs to your lifestyle.

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