| Medications |
A diet high in complex carbohydrates, low in fat and high in fiber (it is also necessary to refer to the Glycemic Index) combined with regular daily exercise may be as powerful as some medications in avoiding diabetes or living with diabetes.
We are not against any kind of medication; rather, we look at health through holistic eyes. Sometimes a combination of diet, exercise and medication can be the right fix you need. There are not many doctors who would disagree with that statement. Whatever you do, diet and exercise play a key role in determining your health, so make sure to keep those factors in mind.
Doctors prescribe many kinds of “diabetes” medications. Like all medications, the effectiveness of a particular medicine varies from person to person. Sometimes one medication is effective, or a combination of medicines is more effective. The choice of medications depends on many factors including age, weight, current health, side-effects, past medical history and your doctor’s plan.
There are approximately five primary kinds of diabetes medications: sulfonylureas, biguanides, alpha-gucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones and meglitinides. Here’s a simple overview of these medicines for your review.
Diabetes Medicines
If you have pre-hypertension or blood pressure between 120/80 to 139/89, doctors usually prescribe diuretics or water pills.
| Sulfonylureas |
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Sulfonylureas help stimulate your pancreas to make more insulin, which then lowers your blood sugar. Side-effects can include an upset stomach, itching or a skin rash and weight gain. |
| Biguanides |
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Biguanides help to decrease the amount of glucose made by your liver, which then lowers your blood sugar. Side-effects can include kidney problems, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, metal taste in your mouth. |
| Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors |
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These drugs work to slow down the absorption of the starches you eat, which causes a slower or lower rise of your blood sugar – usually after meals - throughout the day. Side-effects may include gas, bloating and diarrhea. |
| Thiazolidinediones |
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These drugs widen your sensitivity to insulin, which can then help move glucose from your blood into your cells for energy. Side-effects may include weight gain, swelling, nausea, stomach ache, lack of appetite, fatigue, darkening of your urine or yellowing of your skin |
| Meglitinides |
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Meglitinides work to stimulate your pancreas to make more insulin, which then lowers your blood sugar. Side-effects may include slight weight gain and low blood sugar. |
| D-phenylalanine |
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These drugs help your pancreas manufacture insulin more quickly, which lowers your blood glucose levels after you eat. Side-effects can include low blood sugar. |
All of the above medicines can make your blood glucose go too low and cause hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:
- Fatigue, sleepiness or confused state of mind
- Clammy, sweaty feeling, nervous feeling
- Hunger
- Dizziness or shakiness
If you feel that you have low blood sugar – 70mg/dl or below – eat at least 15 grams of a carbohydrate immediately.
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| melsQuiz answer |
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| melsBuzz |
- When it comes to your health, make educated decisions. Consult with your doctor, but if
you feel like you need a second opinion, go and get one. Make sure you are eating right
and exercising enough as well.
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| melsAdvice |
- If you are going to add vitamins and supplements along with your medication, try the recommended daily amounts of vitamins A, C, E and B-complex, along with magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium, but always consult your doctor first
- You should never decrease your diabetes medicine to save money. Talk to your doctor and confide in him.
- Be very careful and aware of the kinds of drugs you take. Know your body. Some of your existing medications may be causing a side-effect of raising your blood pressure. You don’t necessarily want to take another medicine to combat the side-effects of a medicine you are already taking
- Go to your doctor and have a complete physical before taking any medication
- Get to know your pharmacist. Ask questions about your medication, and never wait until you run out of medicine to refill your prescription
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| DidYouKnow? |
- According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2003 more than 11.6 million Americans took diabetes drugs
- Diabetes was the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. last year
- Many people with diabetes also need to take medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol
- According to the CDC, among people who have diabetes, only 16% take insulin only, 12% take a combination of insulin and oral medicines, 57% take oral only, and 15% take neither insulin or oral, but other kinds of medications or use diet as a tool
- According to the market research firm IMS Health, sales of diabetes drugs in 2000 reached $8 billion.
- Drug companies, doctors and state, national and international organizations all work together to define a disease and its medication. The circle begins when drug companies hire doctors or “form” a relationship with them to consult, speak, or sponsor their research. Doctors then advise drug companies by helping them find new uses for a drug, or by providing “marketing advice.” The drug companies then reach out to “independent” government agencies or government-sponsored agencies to support their doctor’s “independent” research.
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| melsTips |
- When it comes to medication, always keep a list of these medications with you, know their names, doses and any side-effects
- Always listen to your doctor when it comes to taking your medications. Even if you feel well, continue to take the medication as directed
- If you are taking any medicine, drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all (consult your doctor first)
- If you are going to take medication, definitely change your lifestyle
- If you are taking diabetes medication, develop a routine and take your pills at the same time every day, so you do not forget
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| melsQuiz |
- Hypoglycemia can happen for many reasons. Name three of them
- If your blood glucose level is below 70 mg/dL, how many grams of carbohydrate should you eat immediately?
- The Glycemic Index is a numerical system of measuring?
- What are the three benchmarks for the Glycemic Index?
- True or False? Because of the side-effects and adverse reactions to some cholesterol-lowering medications, the FDA recommends prescribing these drugs only when a person’s cholesterol levels are significantly elevated and has other health risks leading to heart disease, including high blood pressure.
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| melsQuiz Answers |
- Delaying or skipping a meal, not eating enough of the right foods, getting too much exercise, taking too much medication, drinking alcohol
- Approximately 15 grams
- How fast a carbohydrate triggers a rise in circulating blood sugar
- Foods less than 50 (low), foods 50-70 (Intermediate), foods more than 70 (high)
- True
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