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 oral medicines used to treat symptoms of diabetes, sitagliptin has potential side effects – some mild, others potentially life-threatening. It is said that it has fewer side effects than other diabetes drugs, but if it’s used in combination with those drugs (as it often is), the risks obviously go up. Adverse effects from using sitagliptin can include upper respiratory tract infection (e.g. sinus infection, sore throat, runny nose, laryngitis, and cough), headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. Though rare, there can also be a risk of pancreatitis and kidney failure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted the pancreatic risk in 2009 and required a label warning in the Januvia packaging. In certain people, there may also be an allergic reaction. If used in combination with other drugs that lower glucose levels, there is a possibility of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) from too high a dosage.
Explore Sitagliptin Alternatives
For many people with diabetes, sitagliptin and other potentially dangerous medications might not be necessary, so long as they can adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Weight loss and proper blood sugar balance can be achieved by cutting sugars, starches and fats from one’s diet, replacing them with fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, good oils like omega, peanut and olive, beans and legumes. Daily exercise (such as brisk walking) is also a key ingredient of a natural treatment plan. In cases where diet and exercise isn’t enough to control high blood sugar and other complications of diabetes, sitagliptin dosages (and of any other drug being taken in combination with it) must be properly balanced against the type and amount of food being eaten and the person’s level of physical activity, as they will both affect blood sugar levels. With any change of exercise or diet, a blood sugar test should be taken before prescribing a medication or changing dosage.
