Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes
>> Thursday, September 1, 2011
What makes Type II Diabetes different from Type I Diabetes? Both come from a body that doesn't produce enough insulin. Type II Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In Type 2 Diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin, and this insulin is needed by the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When we eat food the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose. This is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells, so when glucose builds up in the blood as opposed to going into cells it can lead to diabetes complications.
While Type 1 Diabetes results from the body's failure to produce insulin, and requires the person to inject insulin, Type 2 Diabetes results from insulin resistances. As mentioned before the cells fail to use insulin properly. Type 2 Diabetes is non-insulin dependent whereas Type 1 Diabetes is insulin-dependent. Both types are chronic conditions that usually cannot be cured. Therefore, adequate treatment of diabetes is important along with blood pressure control and lifestyle factors. This includes maintaining a healthy body weight.
While there are several classes of medications available for Type 2 Diabetes Metformin is generally recommended as a first line treatment as there is good evidence that it decreases mortality. Sometimes injections of insulin can be added to oral medication or used alone. Some of the other classes of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes are sulfonylureas, nonsulfonylurea secretagogues, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones.
With Metformin being highly recommended, lets focus on how this Type II Diabetes treatment can help. The drug helps to control the amount of glucose in one's blood. Metformin acts by increasing the sensitivity of fat, liver, muscle and other tissues to the uptake and effects of insulin. These actions result in the lowering of sugar level in the blood. Metformin was approved by the FDA in December 1994. It can be used in addition to other drugs or by itself.
Like any other drug, Metformin has its possible side effects. Stomach pain, decreased appetite and rapid breathing or shortness of breath are each Metformin side effects. Other Metformin side effects include: lightheadedness, fast/slow heartbeat, feeling cold, nausea, and vomiting. Extreme tiredness is another side effect of Metformin. One may or may not experience these symptoms, but Metformin is well known drug for treating Diabetes Type 2 so consult your doctor on the proper medicine plan.
While Type 1 Diabetes results from the body's failure to produce insulin, and requires the person to inject insulin, Type 2 Diabetes results from insulin resistances. As mentioned before the cells fail to use insulin properly. Type 2 Diabetes is non-insulin dependent whereas Type 1 Diabetes is insulin-dependent. Both types are chronic conditions that usually cannot be cured. Therefore, adequate treatment of diabetes is important along with blood pressure control and lifestyle factors. This includes maintaining a healthy body weight.
While there are several classes of medications available for Type 2 Diabetes Metformin is generally recommended as a first line treatment as there is good evidence that it decreases mortality. Sometimes injections of insulin can be added to oral medication or used alone. Some of the other classes of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes are sulfonylureas, nonsulfonylurea secretagogues, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones.
With Metformin being highly recommended, lets focus on how this Type II Diabetes treatment can help. The drug helps to control the amount of glucose in one's blood. Metformin acts by increasing the sensitivity of fat, liver, muscle and other tissues to the uptake and effects of insulin. These actions result in the lowering of sugar level in the blood. Metformin was approved by the FDA in December 1994. It can be used in addition to other drugs or by itself.
Like any other drug, Metformin has its possible side effects. Stomach pain, decreased appetite and rapid breathing or shortness of breath are each Metformin side effects. Other Metformin side effects include: lightheadedness, fast/slow heartbeat, feeling cold, nausea, and vomiting. Extreme tiredness is another side effect of Metformin. One may or may not experience these symptoms, but Metformin is well known drug for treating Diabetes Type 2 so consult your doctor on the proper medicine plan.
About the Author:
Looking to find out the best treatment for Type II Diabetes, then visit www.metforminsideeffects.org to find the best diabetic medication and.or weight loss plan for you.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment