Common side effects of diabetes treatments
Part of living with diabetes is quite
simply living your life to the fullest. If you have diabetes, leading a
healthy and active lifestyle is within your reach with good diabetes
management. Diabetes management often includes oral medications and/or
insulin therapy that help control your glucose levels. When taking
diabetes medications, it is important to be aware of the side effects. You
can start by knowing what to watch for and working with you healthcare
team to reduce any possible negative experiences. Remember, if you
experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor as soon
as possible.
The Beginning of Diabetes Care
Diabetes has been recognized as a medical
condition for at least 3,500 years, but what caused the disease was a
mystery until the early 1900s. Ancient physicians diagnosed diabetes by
the sweet taste in the urine that was due to the presence of large amounts
of sugar.
The best way to stay in control your
diabetes is to proactively manage it. Keep a complete list of the
medications you are taking, this includes over-the-counter, prescription
and alternative treatments. Share this list with your healthcare providers
and pharmacist. Seek their advice on the possible side effects of your
medications.
Insulin
There are more than 20 types of insulin
sold in the United States that differ in how they are made, how they work
in the body, and price. Insulin can be modelled precisely after human
insulin (known as "human recombinant insulin") or may come from animal
sources (pigs or cows). There are different types of insulin based on how
soon the insulin starts working (onset), when it works the hardest (peak
time) and how long it lasts in your body (duration). Some insulin's also
come mixed together, making it easier to inject two kinds of insulin at
the same time. Many people who take insulin use a syringe, but other
methods of delivery include a pen and an insulin pump.
A common side effect from insulin is a
hypoglycemic attack resulting from low blood glucose levels. It is
important to know the warning signs for hypoglycemia and always be
prepared to treat hypoglycemia immediately. The most accurate way to
determine if you are experiencing hypoglycemia is to test your blood
sugar.
Other side effects from insulin range from
minor annoyances to severe reactions. If your injection site appears red
and itchy, you may have an allergic reaction to the insulin. A localized
reaction may disappear in 30 to 60 days after using the same insulin. Talk
to your doctor about receiving an antihistamine prescription to keep the
irritation at a minimum. If your irritation continues you may need to
change insulin therapies. Some people often avoid allergic reactions by
using two injection sites and taking half a dose at each site. If you
think you have an allergic reaction to insulin therapy, talk to your
doctor immediately. What is most important to remember, however, is that
insulin therapy is a reliable approach to managing your diabetes. In
partnership with your healthcare team, insulin therapy can be an effective
approach to managing your diabetes.
Oral Medication
Today there are five different classes of
diabetes medications that work in the body to improve blood glucose levels
for people with type 2 diabetes. Here is a look at where we are today with
the wide range of oral medications available and the common side effects
for each.
Sulfonylureas
This class of drugs works by stimulating
the pancreas to release more insulin and is often one of the first oral
therapies given to people with type 2 diabetes. Common side effects
include weight gain, mild gastrointestinal disturbances, alcohol
intolerance, mild skin irritations and hypoglycemia or low blood glucose
levels.
Biguanides (Metformin)
This drug is often prescribed in
combination therapy with other diabetes medications or insulin, and can be
used as a first line of treatment. This class works by keeping the liver
from releasing too much glucose and helping the body better respond to its
own insulin. Metformin, on its own, can minimize the risk of hypoglycemic
attacks. Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea or mild
gastrointestinal disturbances and loss of appetite.
Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors
This class of drugs helps delay the
digestion of sugars and carbohydrates by releasing them slowly into the
system, avoiding high blood glucose levels after meals. Common side
effects include nausea, diarrhea, mild gastrointestinal disturbances,
bloating and gas. It is important to know that over-the-counter enzymes,
to treat the gas caused by this drug may weaken the effects of acarbose.
Talk to your doctor about possible remedies for the gastrointestinal
disturbances.
Thiazolidinediones (TZD)
This class helps sensitize the muscle cells
to insulin and reduce the amount of glucose released by the liver,
resulting in increased glucose uptake. Side effects vary among the brands
available, and can include adverse affects to the liver. Symptoms of liver
damage include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite
and dark urine.
Before using this class of drugs you should
have a blood test for liver function and once prescribed, additional tests
every month for the first eight months of therapy. If you experience any
of these symptoms talk to your doctor immediately.
Meglitinides
This class of drug also stimulates the
pancreas to release more insulin. This fast-acting drug can be taken
immediately before a snack. As with many diabetic drugs, however,
hypoglycemia is a potential side effect.
By proactively monitoring your medications
and/or insulin therapy, and maintaining a regular communication with your
doctor, you can minimize or avoid side effects from your diabetes
management. By monitoring your blood glucose levels, you can determine if
your medications combined with your diet and exercise plan are effectively
managing your diabetes. This is especially true when you have just started
a new medication or changed your exercise program, for example. With
medications available today and those coming in the future combined with
ever easier to use blood glucose meters, there are many ways to manage
your diabetes.
