Commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, Glucovance® is actually a combination of two prescription medications – glyburide and metformin hydrochloride. The two substances affect the body in different ways. Glyburide is classified as a sulfonylurea, which helps the pancreas to make insulin. It also improves the cells’ response to the insulin. The result is lower blood sugar and better control over blood sugar levels. Metaformin lowers the level of glucose (sugar) created by the liver, and limits how much sugar is absorbed by the body from the person’s diet. It can also help the body make better use of its own insulin. This also results in lower blood sugar for those with diabetes. Glucovance is made by the corporate giant drug manufacturer, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

Glucovance Side Effects and Interactions with Other Drugs

Since Glucovance is used to lower the body’s blood sugar, one of …

There is much confusion with regards to diabetes and quinine, whether in the form of Quinine Sulphate (prescribed in the past for diabetic leg cramps), or tonic water, which contains small amounts of quinine. Originally discovered in cinchina tree bark, Europeans in the 17^th century first used quinine to treat fevers caused by malaria. It has since been used to treat lupus and arthritis, and most commonly leg cramps, a frequent problem for people with diabetes. Quinine sulfate was often prescribed for leg cramps as an “off-label” treatment; that is, not officially approved for that purpose. However, it has been found that larger doses can pose serious health risks, and some people are sensitive to even the smaller amounts in tonic water. Because of these dangers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against its use [http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm218202.htm].

Diabetes, Quinine Sulfate, and Side Effects

 …

As a hormone produced by the adrenal gland, cortisol is released by the body to respond to stress and low levels of blood glucocorticoids. This is where the cortisol and metabolic syndrome connection comes into play. Cortisol metabolizes glucose and increases blood sugar. It’s also involved with the body’s insulin usage, immune system, inflammatory response and blood pressure regulation. Medical research links stress and obesity to the production of cortisol. When a person experiences stress, cortisol is released, telling the cells to create more glucose (to respond to the body’s sudden needs) rather than store energy. This means higher blood sugar and added fat, making it almost impossible for an obese person who is experiencing stress to lose weight. In the case of chronic stress, where there is an over-production of cortisol, metabolic syndrome is a likely result, which may develop into diabetes.

Over-Production of Cortisol – How the Body

For treatment of type 2 diabetes, Glitazones are a class of drugs that improves the body’s insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is believed to be one of the main reasons for high blood sugar found in type 2 diabetics. Two preparations of these types of drugs are rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos). There are also drugs that combine each with metformin (Actoplus Met and Avandamet), and one that combines pioglitazone and the diabetes drug glimepiride (Duetact). Troglitazone (Rezulin) was another of the ‘diabetes glitazones’ used in the 1990s, but was taken off the market in 2000, due to the risk of hepatitis and liver damage.

Glitazones: Risks and Side Effects

In addition to the risk of liver damage, some people may experience a loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, there may be eye discoloration, or darker than average urine. The drug may also cause the body to retain fluid, …

For the treatment of type 2 diabetes, Prandin (the generic name is repaglinide) was approved by the US FDA in 1997, as the first in a new class of diabetes drugs that are commonly prescribed today. As an antidiabetic, Prandin helps the pancreas by stimulating the release of insulin. It only works when the pancreas gland is capable of making and releasing at least some insulin, and therefore, does not work for type 1 diabetes.

Learn about Possible Prandin Side Effects and Warnings

Even if someone does have type 2 diabetes, Prandin should not be used if they have severe problems such as diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic coma, or if they’ve been prescribed gemfibrozil for high cholesterol. There are other medical conditions that may cause a reaction with Prandin. Anyone considering this drug for treatment should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or are breast-feeding, have any …

Introduced in the 1950s to treat type 2 diabetes, Biguanides class drugs at the time included Phenformin and Buformin, but both were taken off the market in most countries due to the elevated risk of lactic acidosis (Buformin was never sold in the U.S., but is still available in Hungary, Taiwan and Japan). Metformin, to which these other drugs are related, is the drug of choice for treating diabetes. Biguanides class of drugs also includes Proguanil, used to treat malaria. Metformin is used to reduce blood sugar in type 2 diabetics, and is also in cases of prediabetes, especially with people who are overweight, to help prevent full-blown diabetes. It can also help with weight loss and high cholesterol. It works by decreasing the liver’s sugar production, increasing absorption of sugar by cells in the muscles, and also decreases the body’s insulin needs. It does not have any effect on …

As part of the arsenal of medications available to treat diabetes, NovoLog is a preparation of insulin aspart, a fast-acting form of insulin, which acts like the body’s own insulin to reduce glucose levels in the blood and convert to energy for use in the cells. It is injected under the skin with a needle and syringe or an insulin pump. It’s given to both adults and children who have type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent), and adults with type 2 diabetes, though it has not been tested in younger type 2 diabetics, or type 1 diabetic children under the age of 2. Since it is fast-acting, it must be taken 5-10 minutes before a meal, or there’s a risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is sometimes prescribed in combination with slower-acting insulin.

What are the NovoLog Side Effects and Contraindications?

An allergic reaction to insulin may cause …

Used to treat Type 2 diabetes, Avandamet, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. It combines two of the most popular diabetes medications, metformin hydrochloride and rosiglitazone maleate. The rosiglitazone improves insulin sensitivity, while the metformin reduces the liver’s glucose production, and also decreases the body’s sugar absorption from foods. It does not increase the amount of insulin produced, but makes better use of the insulin already there. Combined together to treat diabetes, Avandamet is believed to be a more effective control of blood sugar levels in the body, and is also helpful in increasing “good cholesterol” and reducing “bad cholesterol.” However, in 2011, serious health concerns caused the company to recall the drug from retail pharmacies, and it is now only available through certified pharmacies by mail order.

Avandamet Side Effects and Recall

The milder side effects that …

In treating prediabetes before the disease becomes full-blown, the key to success is early detection. The discovery of diabetic antibodies in the early 1980s was an enormous breakthrough, as it was discovered that early onset type 1 diabetes is actually an autoimmune disorder, with the body attacking its own cells. It was found that the presence of these antibodies (and autoantibodies) can be used to predict the onset of type 1 diabetes. Diabetic antibodies are proteins in the blood that detect and go after bacteria and viruses in the body. Unfortunately, they can sometimes malfunction and attack the body’s systems, and are then called autoantibodies. In the case of type 1 diabetes, islet beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin can be attacked and destroyed by these autoantibodies. This is helpful for seeing very early signs of diabetes, as these diabetic antibodies and autoantibodies have been discovered in 95% …

Researchers at Northwestern University in 2006 found a link between magnesium and metabolic syndrome. In their report, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, they discussed their study of over 5,000 people. It was found that dietary supplements of magnesium reduced the rate of development of metabolic syndrome, and that with increased amounts of magnesium, metabolic syndrome risk decreased even more. In 2008, a review of various studies about this subject concluded that the strongest benefit was from magnesium contained in food, rather than from supplements (http://ncp.sagepub.com/content/23/2/142.abstract). In addition to reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, magnesium is also good “brain food” – some of the conditions associated with magnesium deficiency are anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder and problems with cognitive function.

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

In understanding the importance of magnesium, metabolic syndrome must be explained. It is a group of risk factors that …

Working along with insulin, this medication first came on the market in 2005 and goes by the trade name of Symlin. Diabetes patients have trouble controlling their blood sugar and converting glucose to energy for cellular use. These two drugs in combination help to regulate this process more efficiently. Symlin^® replaces the body’s amylin, a hormone that, along with insulin, helps to control the body’s blood sugar levels. Just as diabetics produce little or no insulin, amylin levels are also low or nonexistent. Amylin determines the sugar level in the blood, and how quickly it’s released. Insulin gets the sugar out of the blood and into muscles and tissues. This is the role that is taken over by Symlin. Diabetes patients use the drug to feel full after meals (a common symptom of diabetes is hunger, which leads to obesity). Less food means less sugar entering the blood stream. …

Introduced in 2000, Nateglinide belongs to the meglitinides class of drug that is used to lower glucose levels (blood sugar) in type 2 diabetes. Starlix is the brand name, manufactured by Novartis, and it is used along with diet and exercise to treat those who have insulin resistance which leads to high blood sugar levels and typically obesity. Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1, affecting approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes. Starlix assists the cells in the pancreas to make insulin, and helps the body respond more effectively to that insulin. It is similar to other drugs such as Glynase, Micronase, and Diabeta, but with a faster response time and shorter duration. It is specifically used to lower blood sugar after meals.

What are the Starlix Risks?

Starlix may interact with many different kinds of medications (for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, birth control pills, hormones, …

Ibuprofen is a type of drug that is classified as a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that reduces hormones that cause inflammation and pain. People who are diabetic ibuprofen users need to be aware of the side effects of this drug, as many of the risks are especially dangerous for those with diabetes. These over-the-counter medications, sold under the brand names of Advil, Motrin, Midol, Nuprin and others, have well-researched risks that range from dementia and AD [http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/WNL.0b013e3181a18691v1] to kidney disease [http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14046942.php#NSAIDS], high blood pressure and hypertension. The risk of kidney damage is especially important to those who are diabetic; ibuprofen may complicate existing kidney damage due to undetected high blood sugar levels. What’s of most concern is that doctors regularly tell their elderly patients to use NSAIDs to control chronic arthritis pain, and this could be causing added health risks.

Diabetes and Ibuprofen: The Risks to Your Health and

The most important consideration with regards to Advil and diabetes is that any ibuprofen drug will reduce blood flow to the kidneys and is destructive to its cells. Diabetics are already at high risk of kidney disease, due to high blood sugar and damaged blood vessels. Using Advil may add to the damage, especially if the person is older. Ibuprofen preparations such as Advil are part of the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and are used most often for arthritis, but also for headaches and muscle pain, inflammation, stiffness, swelling and joint pain, fever and menstrual cramps.

Diabetes and Advil Balancing Benefits and Risks

One must balance the benefits and risks before taking Advil, and diabetes patients need to be especially careful. In addition to the risk of kidney disease, there may be an increased likelihood of heart disease and stroke caused by using Advil, and diabetes …

Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is a steroid hormone that’s produced by the adrenal gland. It is released as a response to stress. Researchers have found a connection between cortisol and insulin resistance in people who are obese. Cortisol, along with DHEA, plays a crucial role in the body’s metabolism of glucose. When the body experiences sudden stress – emotional, physical, or environmental (extreme heat or cold) – it produces cortisol and DHEA, along with adrenaline and nor-adrenaline. These hormones generate quick energy, sharpen reflexes, and allow for quick decisions. The link between cortisol and insulin resistance begins with cortisol stopping insulin from moving glucose into cells, so it can instead be converted to fast energy for immediate use during this “crisis.” After the stress passes, hormone levels return to normal. The problem is, in our high-stress world, the crisis doesn’t end. Instead, we remain in a chronic stress state. When this happens, …

The A1C (HBA1C) test for diabetes is used to measure blood glucose control for the past 2.3 months, to determine how well a person is managing their diabetes. For those without diabetes, A1C range of 4.5 to 6 percent is considered normal. The higher the number is, the more uncontrolled the diabetes. It is recommended that even people who have good control over their diabetes should take the test at least twice a year, using the results to adjust medications and diet, if necessary. Those with greater concerns or problematic symptoms should be tested every three months. It is still important to test blood sugar levels daily; this does not replace daily testing.

How Does an A1C Test Work?

The test examines the hemoglobin in your blood to show where you fit into the diabetes A1C range. This is a substance in the red blood cells that carries oxygen …

Widely used overseas to treat type 2 diabetes, acarbose is less common in the U.S., due to side effects that may outweigh the benefits. It’s part of a class of medicines known as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. In Europe and China, it’s available as a generic drug by the name of Glucobay. In the U.S. it’s marketed as Precose (by Bayer Pharmaceuticals), and in Canada it’s sold as Prandase. It works by blocking starch and inhibiting the enzyme that releases glucose from complex carbohydrates. This reduces the rate of digestion, and the blood therefore absorbs less glucose. The result is lower blood sugar levels and eventually lower Hb1ac levels. However, the drug’s action leaves some of the carbohydrates undigested in the intestine, which attracts bacteria and yeast and causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and flatulence. This can add to other uncomfortable symptoms of diabetes. Acarbose can …

Magnesium is an essential mineral, required by the body for over 300 biochemical reactions. There’s new interest in magnesium as it relates to diseases like diabetes, especially with the connection between magnesium and insulin resistance. One important function of magnesium is to help regulate blood sugar. Insulin converts sugar and protein into essential energy for use throughout the body, but people with diabetes are either unable to produce insulin, or the body is not able to use it properly. Magnesium helps metabolize carbohydrates, and may have to do with the release and action of insulin. Those with diabetes frequently have low magnesium levels, though it is not known if this condition contributes to insulin resistance, or if it is caused by it. In addition, high blood sugar will cause the kidneys to lose magnesium through frequent urination, a common diabetic symptom. Studies have shown the connection between magnesium and …

The A1C blood test for diabetes, also known as the hemoglobin A1C test, HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin test, shows how the body is handling blood sugar over a period of up to 3 months, and is extremely helpful for indicating if changes should be made in diabetes medication and diet. The hemoglobin in red blood cells moves oxygen through the body. When there’s a build-up of blood sugar, it attaches itself to the hemoglobin, making it “glycated.” The amount of sugar in the blood can then be determined by measuring how much sugar has attached itself to the hemoglobin. The A1C blood test for diabetes gives an overall picture of glucose levels, rather than the frequent changes before and after meals, which is accomplished by daily self-testing. It is recommended that both are done regularly for better diabetes management.

A1C Preparation: Getting Ready for Your Test

In …

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommended in their 2010 guidelines that A1C screening for diabetes be used to test for pre-diabetes; that is, people with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Early testing is important, because type 2 diabetes (unlike type 1) develops slowly over time and there may not be symptoms in the beginning stages. The A1C screening for diabetes shows the average blood sugar levels in the body over a period of a few months, and this can be done with a simple blood test that does not require fasting or any special preparation. However, while it is convenient and highly regarded, there are some limitations.

A1C Screening Limitations

Certain limitations in A1C screening for diabetes have been discovered by various research groups. It was reported in the ADA journal Diabetes Care [http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2010/07/15/dc10-0433] that the test produced racial differences, where African Americans yielded more …

For treatment of diabetes, Galvus (vildagliptin), manufactured by Novartis, works to improve pancreatic function in patients with type 2 diabetes. The key ingredient, vildagliptin, supports incretin hormones which stimulate the pancreas, allowing it to produce more insulin to counter rising levels of blood glucose. It also reduces the liver’s glucose production with the increased insulin and decreased levels of the glucagon hormone. For treating diabetes, Galvus was first approved in 2008 by the European Medicines Agency for use in the European Union, in combination with other oral anti-diabetes drugs such as metformin. In 2012, it was approved in China. Galvus is now used in over 90 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. However, Galvus has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the U.S. In 2007, the FDA requested additional clinical data about possible issues with kidney impairment and skin lesions. …

Used as a fast-acting insulin preparation for people with diabetes, Humalog works as an insulin analog, mimicking the body’s own insulin to convert sugars in the blood to glycogen for energy storage. Humalog works almost instantaneously, compared to slower, longer-acting insulin, which takes 30 minutes to start working. It should be taken just before eating or immediately afterwards. Offering flexibility to parents of children with diabetes, Humalog can be taken just after meals, rather than having to anticipate when the child will start eating. Since it is effective for a shorter length of time and leaves the body quickly, there is no “leftover insulin” to cause low blood sugar levels late afternoon or during the night. Of particular help to those with diabetes, Humalog closely approximates the body’s own insulin by lowering blood sugar as the person is eating, reducing blood sugar spiking. This keeps glucose levels in better balance. …

First introduced in the late 1990s for treatment of type 2 diabetes, thiazolidinediones are in the class of glitazones, an oral diabetes drug that decreases insulin resistance, while also treating hyperglycemia. The drug makes liver and skeletal muscle tissues more sensitive to the actions of insulin, increasing glucose absorption. The diabetes thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) are sold as Actos and Avandia. They are also combined with other diabetes drugs, under the brand names of Duetact, Actoplus Met, and Avandamet. How these medicines work is not fully understood, but they aren’t able to produce more insulin. Instead, they help the body’s cells to use what insulin there is by lowering resistance. In the treatment of diabetes, thiazolidinediones should not be one’s first choice, as there can be serious side effects and a few of these drugs have been restricted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They should only be …

If one searches the internet for vitamin, mineral and herbal remedies for diabetes, it’s overwhelming how many there are. Many companies offer a diabetic capsule that contains various preparations of different herbs and other natural substances, some common in the U.S., others from India or China. Gymnema Sylvestre is an Indian herb, and studies have shown that extracts may increase insulin production in people with type 2 diabetes. It can also prevent hormones from producing glucose in the liver, lowering blood sugar levels. It is not known to cause side effects. Bitter Melon is something else that one may find in an anti diabetic capsule. It works by helping cells to use glucose more efficiently, and will also block the absorption of sugar by the intestine, leading to lower blood sugar. However, Bitter Melon may cause gastrointestinal problems. Magnesium and chromium are two minerals which may help lower blood sugar …

The oral prescription medicine Onglyza (saxagliptin) is for type 2 diabetic adults, to control high blood sugar. The Onglyza diabetes drug, when used along with a healthy diet and exercise, is believed to lower A1C, first-in-the-morning and after meals blood sugar levels. It is intended to be taken along with another anti-diabetes medication such as metformin, a sulphonylurea, or a thiazolidinedione. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Onglyza diabetes medication is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, which helps the pancreas release insulin, lowering blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause symptoms such as increased urination and blurry vision, and may eventually lead to vision problems and kidney disease.

Diabetes and Onglyza: A Safe Alternative to Januvia?

Some of the more common side effects for Onglyza include upper respiratory infection, headache, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting and urinary tract infection. One may also experience allergic reactions such …

In the treatment of diabetes, Levemir (Insulin Detemir, an injectable insulin medication) helps control blood sugar levels over an extended period of time, up to 24 hours with one dose, and also helps with weight reduction. As a long-lasting insulin for the control of blood sugar in people with diabetes, Levemir is similar to the body’s own insulin, in that it regulates the metabolism of blood glucose by helping cells absorb and store it as glycogen in the muscle and liver, and inhibits glucose secretion from the liver.

Levemir, Diabetes, and Health Risks

Taken to keep blood sugar levels balanced in patients with diabetes, Levemir is generally well tolerated, and most side effects, if they do occur, tend to be mild. The most commonly reported problem with Levemir is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). There may also be skin reactions at the site of the injection (redness, hives and …

One of the most debilitating conditions arising from high blood sugar and diabetes complications is diabetic neuropathy, but studies have shown that some may find relief from the pain with benfotiamine. Diabetes sufferers may benefit greatly from this fat-soluble synthesized form of thiamine (vitamin B-1) that originated in Japan in the 1950s, designed to help those with alcoholic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy, brought on by nerve damage, causes pain and numbness, and affects nerves that control muscle movement. Approximately 50% of diabetics experience some form of neuropathy. Thiamine is water-soluble, so it’s difficult for the body to process it in its pure form, but the fat-soluble preparation is easily absorbed and used. Benfotiamine prevents glucose build-up in cells, which, when left untreated, forms advanced glycation end products (AGE). Over time this AGE accumulates and contributes to complications in the kidneys, eyes, and extremities. In other major blood vessels it causes plaque …

There is a natural plant substance, used for over two thousand years, that is quietly rivaling the drug metformin in its ability to lower blood glucose and blood pressure, while increasing insulin production. It’s called berberine. Diabetes sufferers should know that there is a safe and effective treatment that, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, can replace potentially dangerous medications. Berberine is a quatemary ammonium salt found in the bark, stems and roots of Goldenseal, Oregon grape, Barberry, and other plants. It is a natural antibiotic that fights bacterial, viral and fungal infections, and one of the herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine as a diabetic treatment has been berberine. Diabetes research in recent years is now focusing on this natural supplement, and findings back up anecdotal claims – berberine is just as effective, and much safer, in regulating blood sugar in type 2 diabetics as the commonly …

For years, a daily low dose of aspirin has been prescribed to help prevent heart attacks and strokes, both for diabetic patients and non-diabetic. Aspirin thins the blood and prevents clots, which keeps blood flowing freely to the heart and brain. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease, due to the production of thromboxane, which causes blood vessels to constrict and cells to clump and form clots inside the arteries. Aspirin serves to block the thromboxane. However, aspirin may also cause increased bleeding in the brain, which could lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, and may also be responsible for gastrointestinal bleeding. Opinions are split as to whether or not benefits outweigh the risks, especially in the case of a diabetic and aspirin regimen. In 2010, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the American College of Cardiology Foundation, and the American Heart Association …

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a naturally occurring steroidal hormone in the body, produced by the adrenal gland, which is converted into the male and female sex hormones. A possible connection between DHEA and diabetes was not considered until recently. It was believed that the only function of DHEA was to create testosterone and estrogen, but recent research has shown that it’s involved in many functions, possibly even to help prevent cancer. It has been referred to as the “anti-aging hormone.” DHEA supplements were popular in the 1980s, marketed for anti-aging and weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration prohibited its sale for several years, citing a lack of research on long-term effects. A change in laws brought it back as a supplement in 1994, and there have been numerous studies since then, showing its cancer fighting qualities and other uses, including the connection between DHEA and diabetes. DHEA is synthesized from …

As a medicine that is used to treat high blood pressure and edema (as a result of kidney disease or kidney failure) in people with diabetes, furosemide (Lasix) is a powerful diuretic. Unfortunately, it may pose serious health concerns along with its benefits. The function of a diuretic is to increase urination, which flushes the body of water along with electrolytes. While this is helpful in the case of water retention and swelling, it may be dangerous for people with diabetes. One of the electrolytes that is flushed from the body is potassium, which diabetics might already be lacking due to frequent urination, a common symptom of diabetes. Potassium is very important in heart, muscle and nerve function, and in maintaining proper fluid balance. The connection between diabetes and furosemide is that people with low potassium are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Low potassium can also …

In 2010, work started on a radical new treatment for gout that involves the patient’s own genetically-engineered cells inside a small capsule implanted in the body. This may one day become the “diabetes capsule,” as it has great potential for all metabolic disorders. Lead researcher Professor Martin Fussenegger of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich has been working on this device which balances chemicals and hormones in the body by acting like a synthetic organ. In tests with mice, it has been proven that the technique works in the case of gout. The reprogrammed cells were able to detect uric acid increase and release an enzyme to destroy it. It is this genetic circuitry’s ability to detect a condition, process the information, and produce a beneficial chemical response that shows such promise in treating other imbalances in the body. This early research may one day produce …

First introduced in 1984 as a sulfonylureas class of medication for the treatment of diabetes, glipizide is sold under the brand names of Glucotrol®, GlucotrolXL®, and Metaglip® (as a combination of Glipizide and Metformin). It is prescribed for type 2 diabetes to assist the pancreas in producing insulin, thereby lowering blood sugar, and increasing the body’s efficiency in using that insulin. Glipizide is not a diabetes cure. It can only work if a person is able to produce at least some insulin; therefore, it is not for use by those with type 1 diabetes. Glipizide is available in regular form and extended release, and is to be taken orally 30 minutes before meals to control blood sugar.

Glipizid and Diabetes: Weighing the Benefits against the Side Effects

There are dozens of medications that may interact with glipizide, such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, …

First approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2009, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 as treatment for type 2 diabetes, liraglutide is sold under the brand name of Victoza. It’s a long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which means it stimulates the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, while at the same time suppressing the secretion of glucagon. Because it is glucose-dependent, when glucose levels are in a normal range, its stimulation of insulin secretion stops. This reduces the risk of hypoglycemia. Liraglutide also lowers blood triglyceride levels. It increases insulin sensitivity, and causes the feeling of “fullness” in the brain, which decreases appetite and can help with weight loss in people with diabetes. Liraglutide, like other oral diabetes drugs, is not without side effects, so patients and their doctors must weigh benefits against risks.

Liraglutide Risks, Side Effects and Warnings

It is important …

Among diabetics, infections of the feet are common, and are a leading cause of hospitalization. An estimated 15% of people with diabetes will suffer from a diabetic foot ulcer. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed to treat this condition, which often leads to lengthy hospitalization, disability and amputations. A startling 85% of diabetes-related amputations in the lower extremities are caused by foot ulcers, and 1 in 5 hospital visits by diabetics are because of foot ulcers. This is often caused by nerve damage, due to high blood sugar. The solution lies in prevention, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. In the case of the diabetic foot ulcer and antibiotics, these powerful drugs are necessary for effective treatment, but care must be taken, as overuse of antibiotics for diabetic foot infections can cause antibiotic resistance, whereby the bacteria become immune and the medicine no longer works.

Diabetic Foot Infection and Antibiotics: Correct Treatment Begins

An alternative medicine practitioner for over 30 years, Julian M. Whitaker, M.D. is probably best known for his publication, “Dr. Whitaker’s 3-Week Diabetes Miracle.” He’s a graduate of Dartmouth College and earned his M.D. from Emory University School of Medicine. He publishes a monthly newsletter and books promoting natural cures and alternative therapies for many illnesses, including diabetes. “Dr. Whitaker’s 3-Week Diabetes Miracle” is offered to those who order his newsletter. Dr. Whitaker and his views are controversial, though much of the resistance may be due to his unbridled enthusiasm for natural healing and a very public persona (he’s appeared on television with his ‘Diabetes Miracle’ book). His position on the importance of diet, vitamins, supplements and exercise in treating diabetes (and their superiority over conventional drug treatments) have been backed up by many other health professionals, as has his mistrust of the established medical industry, who “ignore” …

Insulin is a hormone that controls the metabolism of carbohydrates, sugars, fats, and protein, required to transport glucose. It’s a crucial process in a human body. The same holds true for equine insulin resistance. A horse, just like a human, needs more insulin for foods high in carbohydrates, and less while exercising. The amount of blood sugar depends on foods that are eaten, and the body’s ability to produce and use insulin. In cases of equine insulin resistance, feeds such as corn and oats, certain types of grass and hay, commercial mixtures and sweet feeds have high amounts of starch and sugar, and will increase blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less sensitive to insulin’s actions. Particular breeds, such as Arabians, Morgans and ponies, might have insulin resistant tendencies due to genetic adaptations to lack of vegetation. Starchy or sugary grains contribute to this, …

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2009 for treatment of type 2 diabetes, bromocriptine, under the brand name of Cycloset, is a drug used to manage blood glucose through brain signals and the central nervous system. It has been shown to reduce HbA1c levels and inhibit the release of glutamate. It is a dopamine agonist used for many years to treat certain types of pituitary tumors and more recently, for Parkinson’s disease. An agonist is a chemical that binds to a cell’s receptor to trigger a response, often by mimicking the action of a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It was found in studies that dopamine levels were low in people with metabolic disease, which contributes to conditions such as insulin resistance.

Bromocriptine Side Effects: What Are The Risks?

In the treatment of diabetes, bromocriptine side effects can include indigestion, stomach cramps, nausea …

Prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, glimepiride (brand name Amaryl) is of the sulfonylureas class of anti-diabetes medicines. It is long-acting and lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production in the pancreas and increasing activity of the intracellular insulin receptors. For this reason, it is not for use by type 1 diabetics, as there must be at least some insulin production for the drug to work. Reports about the effectiveness of this drug for diabetes, glimepiride, are generally positive, though many say that it works “too well,” and there is the danger of blood sugar going too low, which may require more frequent meals and very close monitoring. However, there are other sufonylureas that have even greater risk of hypoglycemia than glimepiride – for example, glyburide.

Glimepiride and Diabetes: Weighing the Risks Against the Benefits

The list of side effects of this oral medication for diabetes, glimepiride, …

As one of the body’s mechanisms that regulate blood sugar and naturally prevent the onset of diabetes, incretins are a key player. They’re gastrointestinal hormones that are released upon eating, even before blood sugar levels go up. They also slow down the rate at which nutrients are absorbed into the blood and may reduce food intake. In addition, they limit the amount of glucagon hormone released by the pancreas, so it doesn’t cause a blood sugar spike. Two such substances in the body are glucagon-like peptite-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), which are then “kept in check” by the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme (DPP-4). It has been found that type 2 diabetics don’t have a sufficient supply of incretins. In those cases, the presence of DPP-4 makes the situation worse. For people with diabetes, incretins must be reintroduced into the body to keep the system running correctly.

Incretins and

Approved in 2007 as a combination of sitagliptin (Januvia) and metformin into a single tablet for treatment of diabetes, Janumet helps with glucose control in type 2 diabetics by simultaneously lowering glucose levels and acting as a DPP-4 inhibitor that reduces HbA1c levels. It also helps with weight loss. The two medications together can act on all three problems associates with type 2 diabetes – reduced insulin secretion, over-production of glucose and insulin resistance. The sitagliptin inhibits the DPP-4 enzyme, increasing the incretin hormone for more insulin production and release by the beta cells of the pancreas. It also works on the pancreatic alpha cells, slowing the release of glucagon. The metformin helps insulin sensitivity by increasing glucose uptake and utilization in the body’s muscles and tissues. It also decreases glucose production in the liver. For treating complications of diabetes, Janumet reduces post-meal blood sugar levels and also fasting glucose …

Marketed as Januvia since 2006, and combined with metformin as Janumet since 2007 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, sitagliptin is an oral diabetic medicine that acts as a DPP-4 inhibitor, lowering blood glucose. By inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme, it increases incretin levels to aid in insulin synthesis and release by the pancreas. It also serves to slow down the release of glucagon, which would otherwise also increase blood sugar levels. When combined with metformin, insulin sensitivity is also improved due to better uptake and use of glucose in the muscles and tissues of the body. The metformin also limits the liver’s glucose production, improving post meal and fasting glucose levels and making the combination Janumet drug more efficient than just metformin alone. In treating diabetes, sitagliptin is often prescribed with other medications like metformin, Actos, or Avandia.

Sitagliptin Side Effects: What Are The Risks?

Like other …

In our fast-paced, instant gratification society, people are always looking for that “magic pill” to cure their ailments. There is no single substance that will cure diabetes, but diabetic capsules containing traditional herbs used for centuries may help to lower blood sugar levels and provide other benefits, along with a healthy diet and exercise. You should consult your doctor before taking any kind of herbal preparation. They are sold as dietary supplements and are generally safer than prescription drugs, but people with existing medical conditions, allergies or sensitivities may still have adverse reactions. There are many online sources for herbal anti-diabetes supplements. Here are a few common ingredients in these diabetic capsules.

Diabetic Capsules and China: Ancient Knowledge

For many centuries, plant substances have been used in China to treat a wide variety of medical conditions and symptoms, including diabetes. Often included in diabetic capsules, Solomon’s Seal, bitter …

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, fever, swelling and stiffness (sold as Motrin and Advil). The important ibuprofen and diabetes connection is that if this drug is combined with anti-diabetic drugs, it may cause dangerously low blood sugar, as well as liver or kidney damage, which people with diabetes are already susceptible to. PubMed Health, a publication of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, published a warning about ibuprofen [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000598/#] that also indicated an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and advised caution for those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. Potentially fatal stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcers may also result from using NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. Diabetes patients in particular are advised to avoid this medication, and find an alternative pain relief treatment.

Diabetes, Ibuprofen and Serious Health Concerns

If treating pain with ibuprofen, diabetes …

Sulfonylureas diabetes medications are a particular class of oral anti-diabetic drugs that have been used since the 1950s to treat type 2 diabetes. They work with the pancreas to increase the release of insulin from beta cells. The three most common drugs in this classification are glipizide (Glucotrol), glibenclamide (also known as glyburide, marketed as Diabeta, Glynase and Micronase in the U.S.) and glimepiride (Amaryl or GLIMY). Glimepiride is also available combined with pioglitazone (Duetact). Glipizide and glyburide, combined with metformin, are sold as Metaglip and Glucovance. The sulfonylureas diabetes drugs are typically taken just once or twice a day, and may cause low blood sugar if not followed immediately by a meal (or taken right after). They’re usually prescribed when exercise and diet is not enough to balance blood sugar levels, but they can have serious side effects.

Diabetes and Sulfonylureas: What Are The Risks?

The most common …

One of the sulfonylureas drugs used by type 2 diabetics to help with the production and utilization of insulin is sold under the brand name of Amaryl. Diabetes patients are frequently prescribed this drug, either alone or in combination with other medications, along with diet and exercise, to lower and maintain blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that Amaryl at least moderately decreased hemoglobin A1c, which is a measure of long-term blood sugar control. The sulfonylureas drugs may help prevent serious complications of the disease, such as nerve problems, amputations, kidney damage and blindness. However, the Amaryl diabetes drug is not without its own risks. Patients and their doctors must examine the benefits and health concerns to come up with the most sensible treatment plan for that individual, based on blood sugar levels, the severity of symptoms, and lifestyle considerations.

Diabetes and Amaryl – The Health Concerns

People …

First approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 to treat type 2 diabetes, evenatide is sold under the trade names of Byetta (2x a day) and Bydureon (once weekly), taken by injection. The medication mimics incretin, a gastrointestinal hormone that stimulates the release of insulin following meals. This helps to lower blood sugar levels and prevents “spiking.” Biologically, it is similar to the body’s own GLP-1, which regulates glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. In the treatment of diabetes, evenatide is meant for people who are not able to control their blood sugar with oral medications alone. Byetta raises insulin levels quickly and lasts for 6-8 hours. Bydureon gives 24 hour coverage, but Byetta is better for leveling blood sugar spikes that occur after eating. To control high glucose levels which can lead to diabetes, Exenatide works in several ways. It helps insulin release directly in response to …

Diuretics (also known as “water pills”) are a drug that is prescribed as a treatment for high blood pressure, but the problem with diuretics and diabetes is that they disrupt blood sugar control. Diuretics cause more water and salt to be removed from the body, through an increase of urine. As excess water and salt are eliminated, the heart pumps less blood and more blood will flow into the tissues of the body. This helps lower blood pressure, which decreases the risk of heart attack or stroke. While this is of great benefit for those with diabetes, the blood sugar effects are a great concern, and diuretics also cause frequent urination (in fact, that’s the point), but diabetics already have increased urination due to the disease. Other side effects of diuretics include muscle cramps, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and fatigue. A study that appeared in the European Heart Journal (which …

The most commonly prescribed oral drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, Glucophage was the original brand name of metformin (first approved in 1994), now available as a generic. It is most often used in overweight and obese patients, and works by suppressing the liver’s glucose production and by increasing insulin sensitivity in the liver, fat, muscle and other tissues. It has been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease that often accompanies diabetes, and reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It also lowers the risk of blindness and kidney disease. Metformin, along with glibenclamide, were the two oral diabetes medicines listed in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines for 2010. Unlike glyburide (which also lowers glucose, in the sulfonylurea class of drugs for diabetes), Glucophage (metformin) does not increase insulin levels in the blood, so it doesn’t have the risk of hypoglycemia.

Glucophage, Diabetes and Side Effects

 …

Though ethical battles continue over stem cell research, exciting advances have been made regarding what can be thought of as the ‘diabetic stem cell,’ which doctors may one day be able to control and develop into cells that can produce insulin in a type 1 diabetic. Stem cells are unique, in that they can be induced to become cells that perform special functions. They can also renew themselves via cell division. Most people have heard about embryonic stem cells. But adult stem cells may be even more exciting, as their primary role is to repair and maintain the tissue from where they originated. They are rarer, but may be less likely to be rejected by the person’s immune system after transplantation, as the patient’s own stem cells could be generated into a specific cell type (e.g. a ‘diabetic stem cell’), and then reintroduced into the body. Stem cells …

With just four exceptions (insulin, pramlintide, liraglutide and exenatide), all prescription medications used to treat diabetes are taken orally, available in diabetic tablet form. There are five types of medications used for type 2 diabetes, to control blood sugar levels: biguanides (metformin), sulphonylureas (Glucotrol, glibenclamind/glyburide, Amaryl), meglitinides (Starlix, Prandin), glitazones or thiazolidinediones (Actos, Avandia), and acarbose (Glucobay). All of these popular diabetes medications are taken as a diabetic tablet.

Diabetes Tablets: Uses and Risks

First introduced in the 1950s, metformin (originally sold as Glucophage, now available as a generic) is the most widely used prescription diabetic tablet. It lowers blood sugar by reducing the liver’s production of sugar, increasing the absorption of sugar by the cells, and lessens the insulin needs of the body. There are fewer side effects than with other oral diabetes drugs. Most common are gastrointestinal issues, though people with lung, liver or kidney disorders …

Opinions differ about a safe and effective diabetes treatment for pregnant and nursing women. If diet and exercise aren’t enough to lower blood sugar, should you use insulin or an oral medication like glyburide? Gestational diabetes is the name given to the initial discovery of diabetes in a woman who is pregnant, which occurs in approximately 4% of pregnancies. Hormonal changes in the placenta cause insulin resistance, leading to potentially dangerous high blood glucose levels. Often there are no symptoms, and the condition will go away soon after delivery. However, if not properly managed, the baby may grow larger than normal, making for a difficult birth and putting the woman at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian-American, American Indian and Pacific Island women are at greater risk, as are women who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, are over 25 years old, or have high …

The incretin-diabetes link is crucial in the regulation of blood sugar in the body. Incretins are gastrointestinal hormones that, upon eating, are released to help insulin production, and slow digestion and the absorption of nutrients into the blood. This limits the chance of blood sugar spikes, by decreasing the amount of glucagon excreted by the pancreas. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptite-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory peptide) are two such incretins. GIP is then kept in balance by the release by DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptide-4 enzyme). The incretin and diabetes problem is that diabetics are often deficient in these hormones. In this case, DPP-4 levels go up, putting the system out of balance and leading to high blood glucose levels.

Diabetes, Incretin, and The Related Drugs

In recent years, two types of treatment were developed to rebalance this delicate system. One method synthesized GLP-1, which must be injected. The two long-lasting medications …

In type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance is the main problem that causes a dangerous rise in blood sugar. Insulin sensitizers such as the biguanides and thiazolidinediones classes of drugs can address this, but there are natural treatments that have the same beneficial effects. Fat and muscle cells use insulin to absorb glucose from the blood, and the liver reduces its glucose secretion when insulin is circulating. However, for those with type 2 diabetes, while they can produce insulin, these functions are impaired. Causes range from genetic (family history, predisposition due to race), to environmental and physiological (lack of exercise, 40-45 years of age, hypertension, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and obesity). Insulin sensitizers work in different ways, but the end result is that they help the body to more effectively use insulin.

Insulin Sensitizers: Drug Therapy

The two classes of prescription drugs that act as insulin sensitizers are biguanides …

The relationship between pre diabetes and A1C, also known as glycated hemoglobin, has been shown to be an indicator and useful tool in the diagnosis of pre diabetics. Doctors normally administer one or more tests, such as a simple routine blood test, fasting plasma glucose test (FPG), or A1C test, to individuals displaying symptoms of pre diabetes. While all will measure blood glucose levels there is evidence suggesting that the A1C test is the most reliable and accurate.  

The FPG test measures the level of blood glucose after fasting for a minimum of eight hours. The difficulty of the FPG test is that a second test is often necessary and the need for retesting increases if the patient has not fasted properly. For this reason the A1C test is considered superior. The A1C checks the blood glucose levels of individuals from the previous two to three months, measuring glycated …

Scientists are currently investigating the link between chromium picolinate and diabetes. Chromium is an essential mineral in the functioning of the human body. Chromium (III) or chromium picolinate is the form found in food and which, is used by the body. Active in glucose metabolism, chromium picolinate enhances the effects of insulin. Scientist do not know the precise structure of biological chromium although research suggest a low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance (LMWCr) enhances insulin receptor response while other studies have shown chromium to enhance insulin by increasing the translocation of glucose transporters to the cell membrane (http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/chromium/). Due to these interactions, it is hypothesized that chromium deficiency contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes and has heightened consequences for both pre diabetics and diabetics alike.

Chromium Picolinate Diabetes Dosage

The mysterious relationship between chromium picolinate and diabetes has led to several studies of chromium supplementation for diabetics. Individuals …

There is evidence that glucocorticoids (GC) or corticosteroids and diabetes are linked. Corticosteroids are used in relation to protein, carbohydrate, lipid, and nucleic metabolism, as well as inflammation and immune response both of which are related to diabetes. Rachel Derr, M.D. defines the effect of GCs on hyperglycemia as impaired transport of glucose to the muscles. The link between diabetes and corticosteroids, particularly in the elderly population, can be found both in the prevalence of corticosteroid use with 10% of inpatients over the age of 60 using some form and 3% of outpatients with prescriptions. Of the 10%, 54-65% had GC-induced hyperglycemia without history of diabetes. The risk of requiring a new form of diabetes medication doubled in outpatients and those suffering chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Instance of Diabetes and Corticosteroids Use in the Elderly Population,

In a study presented to the Society of General Internal Medicine, …

For diabetics, testing blood sugar levels should be a regular part of their treatment program. In the management of diabetes, A1C level testing is among the most accurate forms of understanding insulin needs and gauging how well the disease is being managed. Unlike at home blood tests, the A1C test is administered by your doctor and sent to a lab, testing blood glucose levels over a span of about two to three months, giving an average. The test should be used in conjunction with daily at home tests. What the A1C tests specifically is glycated hemoglobin (A1C). Hemoglobin is a protein found in blood plasma and is responsible for transporting oxygen to cells. In the presence of sugar hemoglobin becomes glycated (coated in sugar) with glycated hemoglobin levels rising in relation to blood sugar over an extended period.

What A1C Level Indicates: Diabetes Diagnosis

Since 2010 the American …

The use of diet and exercise in the management of diabetes and A1C levels kept at a healthy range significantly reduces the risk of developing complications of diabetes. A1C levels are given in percentage form, indicating the percent of hemoglobin A that has been converted by the presence of sugar into hemoglobin A1C. A1C percentage values can be converted into average blood glucose (mg/dL) which is often more familiar to patients. The American Diabetes Association’s ClinicalDiabetes journal uses the following values to assess diabetes control and health risk based on A1C. A1C less than or equal to 6% (135 mg/dL) shows an excellent degree of control of glucose and very low risk. 7% (170 mg/dL) is considered excellent with low risk while 8% (205 mg/dL) shows a good degree of control and good risk. Medium risk is 9% (240 mg/dL) with a fair degree of control. 10% AIC (275 mg/dL) …

Research and case studies have found a dangerous relationship between diabetes and antibiotics. In a statistical study conducted in spring of 1999 by JoAnn Deasy, PS-C, MPH, on the risk of infection among diabetics, Deasy found that the risk ratio in diabetics was 1.21 versus non-diabetics with 46% of diabetics needing at least one hospitalization or doctors visit for infection compared with 38% amongst non-diabetics. The increased rate of infection and susceptibility to complications results in the frequent prescription of antibiotics to diabetics. While antibiotic therapy has proven results, there are some that put diabetics at severe risk.

Diabetes and Antibiotics for Respiratory Infection

Diabetics are four times as likely to die from a respiratory infection than the general population. In his case study, Muhammad Mamdani of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences created a database of patients over 65 who visited hospitals after they had hypo- …

Pioglitazone is a glucose-reducing drug in the class “thiazolidinediones” used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Manufactured by the Japanese company Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. for treatment of diabetes, pioglitazone has shown both promise and increased risks in the treatment of diabetes. Often called an insulin sensitizer, because it attaches itself to insulin receptors in the body, making cells more responsive to insulin. It also reduces insulin by reducing production and secretion of glucose into the body by the liver.

Pre Diabetes – Pioglitazone as Prevention

A study conducted by the Texas Diabetes Institute and University of Texas Health Science Center looked into the possibility of using pioglitazone as a preventative measure against type 2 diabetes in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. Using a test group of 602 people over two and a half years, individuals were given pioglitazone or a placebo to control blood glucose with quarterly fasting …

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly maintains a website specifically on the subject of diabetes. Eli Lilly Diabetes (www.lillydiabetes.com) is a resource tool for individuals with diabetes and caretakers with diabetic patients. Eli Lilly manufactures the diabetes drugs: Byetta®, Glucagon™, Humalog®, Humalog® Mix 75/25™, Humalog® Mix 50/50™, and TRADJENTA™ however their website is dedicated to educating and providing resources to the general public about living with diabetes.

Eli Lilly Diabetes – Nutrition

Beyond the use of drugs in the management of diabetes, Lilly Diabetes provides recommendations for nutrition and fitness. The “virtual kitchen” with Chef Robert Lewis is a video guide showing how to prepare diabetes appropriate recipes. The Lilly Diabetes meal plan outlines three important factors: understanding how food affects blood glucose, how to choose healthy food, and eating meals at appropriate times. The goal of all three is to keep blood glucose close to normal levels, avoiding spikes …

For centuries traditional healers have been using the fungus Ganoderma lucidum. Diabetes researchers in the West have also begun researching the “miracle” properties of the fungus in an attempt to isolate its healing properties. Ganoderma lucidum, known in Chinese medicine as Reishi or Ling Zhi, is a hard fungus commonly used in China, Japan, and Korea. The first medicinal use of G. lucidum was recorded during the rule of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, founder of the Ching Dynasty. The fungus is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant properties and has begun to appear in supplement form in the West.

Ganoderma Lucidum – Diabetes Research in Rats

There are many clinical studies to investigate the link between ganoderma lucidum and diabetes management. In a study done by Hui-na Zhang and Zhi-din Lin of the Department of Pharmacology, Peking University in 2002, the …

A1C diabetes testing is used to measure blood glucose levels over an extended period of time in order to minimize the complications of diabetes related to prolonged periods of high blood sugar. Such complications include progressive damage to organs such as the kidneys eyes, and liver and respiratory and nervous system damage. By checking A1C, diabetic therapy can be adjusted to better address patient needs. Furthermore, A1C diabetes testing is an essential tool for newly diagnosed patients as well as pre diabetics and at risk populations.

In a study led by Dr. Elizabeth Selvin of John Hopkins University the A1C test more accurately identified people who would later develop diabetes. Of particular interest was the finding that A1C was also a predictor of stroke, heart disease, and death from diabetes. Selvin used A1C, FPG, and OGTT a population of 11,092 black and white middle-aged individuals without diabetes, over two years …

Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly released Byetta, a prescription drug, in June 2005. The use of Byetta for diabetes is limited to type 2 and should not be used for type 1 patients who require insulin therapy. Byetta is normally prescribed to type 2 patients who are unable to control their blood sugar with metformin. The active ingredient in Byetta is the synthetic protein exenatide, which encourages digestion and the production of insulin by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1. The patient administers doses of Byetta, at home, twice daily, injecting into the skin of the arm, belly or thigh. Byetta should never be injected after a meal. Initial doses are 5 mcg with the possibility of increasing the dose to 10 mcg after one month of treatment.

Byetta for Diabetes – Weight Loss

One of the unexpected side effects of Byetta is significant weight loss, an attractive idea …

Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-lasting synthetic form of the hormone marketed by Sanofi-Aventis, releasing a 24-hour dose through one injection a day. Lantus and diabetes tablets may be used in conjunction when oral medications are insufficient. Lantus is designed for individuals suffering from both types of diabetes and has been approved for children six years of age and older. The most commonly reported side effect is hypoglycemia. Lantus is injected under the skin using an injection pen that contains 300 units of insulin, delivering 80 units per shot. Because it is analog insulin, the release into the body is controlled with no peak. This reduces the risk of nighttime hypoglycemia in comparison with neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin (Humulin N, Novolin N, etc.). Another study confirmed that for type 1 diabetes Lantus was a better basal insulin than NPH when used as a basal-bolus treatment plan.

Lantus and

Created for treatment of type 2 diabetes, metformin is manufactured by Bristol-Myers-Squibb Company and was approved for use in the U.S. and U.K. in December of 1994. Metformin is only an effective diabetes treatment in the presence of insulin as its main function is to increase the effectiveness of the body’s own insulin, reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and the absorption of glucose by the small intestines.

Prevention of Diabetes: Metformin, Diet, and Exercise

In a study published in 2009 diet, exercise, and metformin were shown to delay the onset of diabetes by up to 10 years. The Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group led by Dr. William C. Knowler, studied the effects of diet, exercise, and metformin on 3,800 over weight individuals with high risk of developing type 2 diabetes over 15 years. Subjects were broken into three groups. One received intensive diet and exercise …

The FDA approved Actos, for diabetes in 1999 with four therapy indications: monotherapy, in combination with metformin or sulphonylureas, and with insulin. Actos does not cause the body to release more insulin, eliminating the risk of hypoglycemia when taken alone. Actos for diabetes was also found to decrease the level of triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol levels when used in monotherapy and with other drugs. High levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL are leading factors in the development of heart disease, of which diabetics are particularly susceptible. In clinical studies prior to Actos’s release found that 45 mg of Actos given daily lowered blood sugar, in patients who were not previously on diabetes medication, by 63.7 mg/dL compared baseline. Reduction of A1C levels after two to four weeks was as much as 1.9% with a 2.6% when compared to a placebo. Side effects reported during clinical trials were …

Avandia and diabetes patients have had a strained relationship since its release in 1999. A rosiglitazone drug, Avandia is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, and was developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes by reducing insulin resistance in the body. Once the biggest selling diabetes drug in the world it was normally prescribed to taken in addition to other drugs such a metformin. According to a New York Times article, a study from 1999 to 2009 found more than 47,000 patients taking Avandia either suffered from a heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or death.

Avandia and Diabetes – Risk of Heart Attack

Numerous studies have been conducted on the increased risk of heart failure in patients who use Avandia. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline, resulting in the forced release of clinical studies on the drug. Following the studies release, Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic began …

A type of thiazolidinediones, used to treat polycystic ovarian disease and diabetes, rosiglitazone is an insulin sensitizer.

In type 2 diabetics insulin insufficiency is often caused by insulin-resistance in cells. Considered an insulin-sensitizer, rosiglitazone works by reducing the resistance allowing the body to use the insulin it produces rather than promote the creation of insulin by the pancreas like other drugs. While rosiglitazone can be used with other drugs it should not be used while taking insulin. Doses of four or eight mg may be taken once or twice a day with or without food.

Diabetes – Rosiglitazone Use

In the U.S. rosiglitazone is marketed as Avandia and manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Before beginning Avandia tell your doctor if you have heart or liver problems, edema, developed liver problems with taking Rezulin, are premenopausal, pregnant, or breast feeding. While Avandia may be used with drugs such as metaformin, certain …

There is a strong relationship between triglycerides and diabetes. Triglycerides are one of the three forms of blood lipids (fats) the other two are LDL and HDL cholesterols. HDL cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol because it prevents blood vessels from being blocked. LDL “bad” cholesterol can clog and narrow blood vessels. Triglycerides are naturally formed in the blood after the consumption of carbohydrates or fatty foods. Triglycerides account for 99% of the fat stored in the body and act as a source of long-term energy. The formation of fat happens between meals or overnight when insulin levels are low.

Both high triglyceride and LDL levels are associated with heart attack and strokes. High cholesterol levels and triglycerides have been shown to increase the risk of diabetes. Additionally, they are two main factors in heart disease, which is the leading cause of death amongst diabetics. Following the American Diabetes …

Type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is an organ specific autoimmune disease affecting the pancreas. The presence of antibodies in diabetes screening is important in assessing the type of diabetes. However, they cannot be used to make a diagnosis as the presence of antibodies does not guarantee the development of IDDM as well as the reverse with some diabetes patients never developing detectable amounts (this is rare with 95% of cases testing positive for at least one).

Antibodies are specialized proteins found in the blood and other places in the body. Part of the immune systems functions, antibodies respond to foreign substances. When antibodies malfunction and attack the body’s own systems they are called autoantibodies. With IDDM, autoantibodies attack islet beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, causing deficiency. Four of the most common antibodies related to type 1 diabetes are: glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibodies (GADA), insulin antibodies …

In June 2009 the American Diabetes Association (ADA), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and European Association for the Study Of Diabetes (EASD) began recommending diabetes A1C diagnosis testing. While the A1C for diagnosis of diabetes is not the only test that should be administered by doctors, the committee’s recommendation reflects the A1C test’s ability to provide a different perspective on blood glucose management and average levels. This is because A1C values vary less than fasting plasma glucose (FPG) as patients do not need to fast and A1C values have also been correlated with the risk of developing retinopathy. The downside of the A1C test is its price; it is more expensive than other tests. The ADA noted that the price is prohibitive, particularly in the developing world. Additionally, A1C is inaccurate in cases of severely low hemoglobin levels caused by chronic anemia, hemolytic anemia, and other forms, which are prevalent in …

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is characterized by: obesity, or regional adiposity (the accumulation of fat in certain parts of the body, usually the neck), insulin resistance (IR), ad laminitis in horses and ponies. EMS is thought to be genetic with certain breeds of horses more predisposed than others. These horses are referred to as “easy keepers” because they are efficient at using calories and require less dietary maintenance than other horses to maintain their body weight. Breeds that have evolved to live in harsh conditions, such as Morgans, Peruvian Pasos, Paso Fino, Spanish Mustang, and warm bloods, are particularly susceptible. Typical cases of EMS are diagnosed in horses between the ages of eight and eighteen. A hypothesis for the onset of obesity in horses is the production of cortisol by fat cells, interfering with the function of insulin. Equine metabolic syndrome symptoms include a crest of fat on the neck, …

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are reversible inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme in the small intestine. They function by delaying the absorption of complex carbohydrates by the intestine, thereby inhibiting glucose peaks and subsequent insulin levels. Of the four alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (acarbose (Precose), migitol (Glyset), voglibose, and emiglitate) acarbose is the most prescribed of the drugs. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are often given to newly diagnosed diabetes patients and those who have blood sugar levels that are only slightly high enough to be considered diabetes. They are frequently prescribed in conjunction with other drugs for type 2 diabetes such as metformin. Because alpha-glycosidase inhibitors do not work with insulin function, they do not pose a risk of hypoglycemia. It should be noted however that when paired with other diabetes drugs there is a risk of hypoglycemia. If this occurs glucose gel should be consumed as orange juice and sugar will not work. Alpha-glycosidase inhibitors have …

Long used by non-diabetic patients as part of preventative therapy for cardiovascular disease, the use of aspirin and diabetes preventative therapies is newer. A scientific statement from 2010 said that low-dose aspirin is “reasonable” for people with no history of vascular disease by with a high 10-year risk of cardiovascular complications. The statement, released by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Heart Association (AHA), and American College of Cardiology (ACC) called for stricter criteria in the use of aspirin therapy for diabetics. The new aspirin/diabetes guidelines restrict the once general recommendation of aspirin for diabetics over the age of 40.

Diabetes Aspirin Guidelines

The potential risks of side effects of aspirin therapy have been weighed against the benefits leading to the decision that low-dose aspirin (75-162 mg/d) is now only recommended for diabetic adults with no history of cardiovascular disease but who are at increased risk of cardiovascular …

Statins are a group of drugs that are lipid-lowering agents, lowering the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Statins function by targeting the synthesis of cholesterol and the rate of assembly and secretion of cholesterol-containing particles. Most patients who take statins see lower lipid levels in one to two weeks. Satins must be taken every day and are most beneficial when taken on a long-term basis with most people taking them their entire lives. It has become a practice to prescribe statins to healthy people who have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease as well as people who have suffered a heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, or diabetes.

Statins and Diabetes – Side Effects

Side effects include muscle pain and damage in the case of rhabdomyolysis, which causes liver damage, kidney failure, and death. Liver damage can also occur when statin causes the liver to …

In a study done by a team of Japanese researchers the diabetes HGB A1C test is best done in conjunction with a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test to better predict risk of the development of diabetes. The study tested non-diabetic men and women between the ages of 24 to 82. At the beginning of the test 4,103 had A1C and FPG levels within the normal range, 1,167 had elevated FPG only, 382 had elevated A1C only, and 256 had both forms elevated. The results of diagnosis of individuals with elevated levels 4.7 years later found that 8-9% of patients who had only one test were diagnosed with diabetes compared with 60% with both tests.

HGB A1C Diabetes Diagnosis Accuracy

After the American Diabetes Association began endorsing A1C testing for the screening of diabetes several studies were conducted to examine how accurate the test is. Previously FPG and oral …

Manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd. for diabetes, Januvia (sitagliptin) was approved by the FDA in 2006. Part of the drug family Glitazone, Januvia is a “Gliptin” or oral DPP (dipeptyl peptidase) IV inhibitors. Taken once a day in pill form, Januvia works by increasing insulin production in the pancreas while reducing the amount of glucose made by the liver. Specifically speaking, the drug is an incretin enhancer, meaning it enhances the effects on incretins (hormones produced in the bowel in response to food) that stimulate the release of insulin. Once released into the system, incretins are destroyed by DPP-IV. Januvia prolongs their presence by slowing down their destruction by DPP-IV.

Treating Diabetes – Januvia Side Effects

In clinical trials patients taking Januvia the most common side effects were diarrhea, sore throat, and colds. In some rare cases the drug can lead to mild cases of pancreatitis …

With the development of new lab standards for the diabetes A1C test, the American Diabetes Association has begun to recommend its use as a screening tool for pre diabetes and diabetes. Prior to this the A1C diabetes test was used for the management of normal blood glucose levels. While a lab is required to make a diagnosis and should be used to measure baseline glycated hemoglobin, there are also Point of Care (POC) tests available to doctors as well as individuals for at home testing. It is important to keep in mind that POC test give variable results and thus should only be used for monitoring of treatment.

A1C Test for Diabetes – Calculating Results at Home

In an effort to simplify A1C test results in order to make them more understandable, results can be given as estimated Average Glucose (eAG), which more closely corresponds to the …