Effects of Diabetes Medicines

Effects of Diabetes Medicines

The effects of diabetes medicines are something that can give rise to unwanted problems. Some medicines of diabetes can create nausea or an upset stomach when you take it for the first time. Before starting any new medicine, consult your doctor about possible side effects and tips to avoid them. If side effects of your medicine bother you, talk to your doctor.

High levels of blood glucose, called blood sugar, also create health problems. Such problems can be heart attacks, heart disease, strokes, nerve damage, kidney disease, digestive problems, eye disease, and tooth and gum problems. You can prevent health problems by keeping your blood glucose levels within the normal range limit. People with diabetes must select foods wisely and should be physically active. If you fail to reach your target of blood glucose levels with proper food choices and physical activity, then the need of diabetes medicines can arise. The type of medicine you take depends on your diabetes type, schedule, and other health conditions.

Diabetes medicines maintain your blood glucose within the normal range. The range is suggested by diabetes experts or doctors.

Medicines for Every Type of Diabetes

  1. Type 1 Diabetes Medicines: Type 1diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is basically found in children, young adults or teenagers. If you have this type, taking insulin is advisable as your body fails to make it. You will also have to take other types of diabetes medicines that work with insulin.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes Medicines: Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is the common form of diabetes. It begins when the body doesn’t use insulin as it should, a condition called insulin resistance. If the body fails to keep up with the insulin needs, you need diabetes medicines. Many choices are available. Your doctor can prescribe more medicines. The ADA suggests that most people start with metformin, which is a diabetes pill.
  3. Gestational Diabetes Medicines: Gestational diabetes happens for the first time during pregnancy. The pregnancy hormones or shortage of insulin causes gestational diabetes. Many women with such diabetes control it with physical activity and meal planning. But few need insulin to reach their target blood glucose levels.
  4. Other Types of Diabetes Medicines: If you have rare forms of diabetes like diabetes due to medicines or monogenic diabetes, consult with your doctor on the kind of diabetes medicine that can be best for you.

Effects of Diabetes Medicines

  • Insulin: Insulin is injected in the blood directly to control the blood sugar level immediately. It is given either through injections or through insulin pumps. Excess of this leads to weight gain as the sugar is given directly to the blood cells. Most of other diabetes medications can make you to put on weight. Due to their control of blood-sugar levels and the need of eating certain foods, a person taking such drugs experiences varying levels of weight gain.
  • Low Blood Sugar: Patients might suffer from a low level of blood sugar. It is not generally caused due to the correct function of the drug, but because of the failure of the patient to compensate for the reductions it brings about.
  • Thiazolidinediones: Your liver enzyme level should be checked regularly if you are having such diabetes medicine. If you have any sign like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of skin or whites of eyes, dark yellow colored urine, then it is advisable to call your doctor immediately. Risks of getting anemia or liver problem are also related with the use of Thiazolidinediones.
  • Skin Issues: Diabetes medicines can have the effect to the skin. The most common effect can be rashes that result in itching. Hives and basic redness are common among people allergic to a certain diabetes drug.
  • Stomach Problems: Stomach problems are common side effect of diabetes medicines. They can be in the form of excessive gas, upset stomach, a feeling of bloating and diarrhea. It can be commonly controlled by making sure a person's diet must have fiber.
  • Kidney Problems: If a person suffers from kidney problem along with diabetes, different challenges can be faced during medical professional helping the patient. People who don't suffer from them, eventually get kidney problems turning into other digestive issues.

Effects of diabetes medicines can be minimized only if you follow proper diet and maintain your physical activity.