Weight loss and glucose control make up the twin goal of diabetes management. Diabetes as we know it affects approximately 21 million Americans. World-wide, the numbers affected soar to 246 millions. Type 2 is the predominant type with about 90 to 95% of those with diabetes having type 2.

Of all these numbers, the Center for Disease control and Prevention reported that around 60 % are not successful in reaching their blood glucose level to as close to normal as possible in the treatment program they are in. Enter Byetta which originally was not used as a monotherapy. You can check the glucose level target on the diabetes diet page that you can click at the end of this article.

The trouble is that there are some problems involving Byetta. Yes, it is found to improve the blood glucose control among type 2 diabetics. It is used with sulfonylurea, metformin or thiazolidione but does not replace insulin for patients who are required to be on insulin treatment.

In addition, diabetics who have severe problems when it comes to the digestion of food. Similarly those with severe stomach and kidney diseases should avoid taking Byetta. These patients should really consult their doctor to find out what is good for them.

Another problem with Byetta is that when it is used with sulfonylurea, hypoglycemia or low blood sugar could be a side effect. To avoid or reduce this from happening the use of sulfonylurea is reduced. Byetta has some other side effects like nausea, acid stomach and vomiting. Patients may also report dizziness and diarrhea as well as feeling jumpy and having headache.

The good thing about nausea is that it mostly occurs at the start of taking Byetta and goes down after some time. It may also lower the amount eaten with the reduced appetite and loss of some body weight. The dosage is not altered with the appearance of these side effects. But if the side effects become severe, contact the health care provider.

Really to arrive at conclusions especially with the new injectable Byetta, one has to consider the benefits along with the possible risks. It will also wise to consider the cost of the drugs and the profile of any unfavorable events and success with weight loss and glucose control. All these information will help with the correct choice of pharmacotherapy for type 2 diabetics.

The findings of a 24-week long study were released by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company. The research was on the use of Byetta injection two times a day given to 232 type 2 diabetes patients. These patients showed considerable lowering of their A1c test which is a measure of the average blood glucose over three months. About 60% of the participants had a 7% A1c which is the goal for good blood sugar control.

The two companies planned to submit this to the Food and Drug Administration . It must be pointed out that over 85% of the participants finished the study. Weight loss among the participants was noted as significant.

Global Medical Director James Malone, MD of Eli Lilly and Company said the American Diabetes Association has guidelines in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. And these are weight loss for obese and overweight patients and the attainment of the target sugar control. If this monotherapy is approved, both the physicians and the patient will have additional treatment option.

During the study, there was no occurrence of severe hypoglycemia while the incidence for nausea was low. It was 3% for those taking 5 mcg and 13% for those on 10 mcg. Byetta by the way was approved by the FDA as incretin mimetic and has been used by more than 700,000 patients as an add-on therapy. Now it is being considered as a stand alone therapy or monotherapy for weight loss and glucose control.

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