Archive for January, 2009

Available Diabetes Treatment Options

January 19th, 2009  |  Published in Diabetes Treatment

Fortunately, there are currently many available treatment options if you are diagnosed with diabetes. Previously, there were very few options and doctors didn’t really understand how to treat the condition. Now that we know much more about the disease, individuals with diabetes can choose different treatments which may include medication.

It is recommended to consult with your doctor. You may be able to control your diabetes without the use of medications or injections. Your treatment options will be based on the causes, current condition and type of diabetes you have.

Following a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet may help in preventing or treating diabetes. Developing healthy habits in these two areas of your life can produce remarkable results in terms of controlling blood sugar, reducing complications and improving diabetes. In fact, exercise and diet may prevent you from developing diabetes.

Following a healthy diet enables you to better control your blood sugar levels and preventing further complications from diabetes. Obesity individuals are at the highest risk of developing the disease. Therefore, losing excess weight can help you become healthier and take control of the condition. Talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise program that will help you develop healthier eating habits.

A healthy diet is one that is consistent contains balanced meals containing a large amount of fiber and small amount of saturated fat and sugar. It is recommended to consume approximately the same number of calories each day. This will help you to better control your blood sugar levels so they remain at a healthy level for your particular body.

Exercising regularly is also very important if you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Any type of exercise such as jogging and walking will improve your diabetes and your body. It is best to exercise for a minimum of 3 times each week for 20-minute periods. Before you begin a new exercise program, you should talk to your doctor. You may do more harm than good if you perform some exercises incorrectly.

If following the above steps still doesn’t result in an improvement in your blood sugar levels, you may need to look at other treatment options. Many oral and injection-based medications are available to treat diabetes. The only medication that is injected is insulin, and it is normally taken when your pancreas stops producing insulin.

There are also many other available diabetes medications:
• Glucotrol
• Precose
• Avandia
• Glyset
• Glucotrol
• Actos
• Glucophage
• Micronase
• Prandin
The above medications work in various ways to produce, utilize or absorb insulin in your body.

The most important factor in controlling your diabetes is regularly monitoring the levels of your blood sugar. You should test your blood daily before eating and before you go to sleep at night. You can record the results in a special diabetes treatment book.

You should also record the type of food you have eaten each day, the amount and time of your daily exercises, the dose of your medication, the times you have eaten. In addition, be sure to record any results that are too high or low and the treatment options used in each case. By following the proper steps, you can prevent or treat your diabetes more effectively and live a much healthier and happier life.

The Facts about Diabetes Medications

January 19th, 2009  |  Published in Diabetes Treatment

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be prescribed an oral drug to help you maintain your blood glucose levels. In addition to the diabetes medication, most people also have to alter their diet and ensure they are following a regular exercise routine. We’re going to discuss some of the diabetes medications currently available.

First of all, type 2 diabetes is caused in the following two situations:

1. The cells become resistant to insulin

2. The pancreas fails to produce sufficient quantities of insulin

Your doctor can determine which is the most suitable diabetes medication to prescribe, depending on the cause of your type 2 diabetes. A simple blood test will determine which of the two categories you fall under.

Biguanides

This kind of diabetic medication helps insulin transfer glucose into various cells of your body. Examples of Biguanides include Fortament, Riomet, Glumetza and Glucophage. Anyone who has a history of heart or kidney problems should not take this kind of medication, as they may suffer serious medical complications as a result.

Sulfonylureas

This type of oral drug includes Glynase, DiaBeta, Amaryl, Micronase and Glucotrol. They work by stimulating the pancreas to produce and release additional insulin which helps to reduce blood glucose levels.

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

This type of diabetes medication blocks the enzymes that assist in digesting starches. This retards the increase in blood glucose levels. However, you should note that one of the common side effects caused by alpha-glucosidase inhibitors such as Glyset and Precose is diarrhea and gas.

Thiazolidnediones

Drugs such as Avandia and Actos belong to this drug class, and they improve the effectiveness of insulin in the body. The drugs work by preventing the liver from releasing excess insulin. This type of diabetes medication also makes the insulin more effective in fat and muscle. Thiazolidinediones are very effective in managing type 2 diabetes, but your doctor must conduct periodic blood tests to ensure they do not cause damage to your liver.

Meglitinides

Meglitinides such as Starlix and Prandin lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin.

In addition to the above medications, various combinations that include two different types into one pill are also available. You should consult with your doctor to determine which type of type 2 diabetes medication is best for you.