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 modeled 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 insulins 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.