Diabetes Medications, a Portrait of Cynicism?

Diabetes medications could be insulin or oral drugs. These are drugs taken by mouth. They are also known as oral hypoglycemic agents. This is a wrong term though because these are not given to cause hypoglycemia. Rather they are given to lower the blood sugar level.

By the middle of the 1950's, the diabetes medications called sulfonylureas were developed because they helped lower the blood sugar level of those who could not do so through exercise and diets. Now these are generally known to be effective for type 2 diabetics.

There are other diabetes medications available and they have their own characteristics. Some are long acting while others are intermediate. Still others are short acting. Taking them depends on different factors some of which are physical activity, response to diet and pills, and food intake.

As of last year GlaxcoSmithKline published additional information for Avandia in the US. As per announcement of GlaxoSmithKline. the US FDA has approved the updated prescribing info for thiazolidinediones class of diabetes medications. These are used to treat Type 2 diabetes.

GSK will be able to execute the changes on the Avandia label. This time the label will include a boxed warning in addition to the existing one on the risk for CHF, an acronym for congestive heart failure. One of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes is CHF. In this condition, the heart is unable to pump blood to the other organs.

This can lead to fluid retention or edema which can result in CHF or make it worse. Here's the safety information for Avandia. With diet and exercise, Avandia aids in improving blood sugar control. The possible side effects consist of heart failure or other heart problems.

FDA reviewed more information on this. Consult with your doctor if you have heart failure or heart problems. If you notice swelling or retention of fluid sharpness of breath, rapid increase of weight or feeling unusually tired while taking Avandia, tell your doctor right away.

If you have liver problems, you should not take Avandia. Tell your doctor the diabetes medications you're taking. Avandia may also increase your risk of pregnancy. Don't take Avandia if you're nursing your baby. Also, while taking Avandia, you may experience more fractures and vision changes.

There may be adverse reaction to sulfonylureas which could be in the form of low blood glucose. But the reaction is usually not as severe as those on insulin. The frequency is not as often either. But this does not mean precautions will not be taken into consideration.

When experiencing periods of stress, the doctor may temporarily stop the oral medicine you're taking. Instead he may decide to put you on insulin to control the blood sugar. When the stress is over like in case of an accident or infection, you may be able to go back to the diabetes medications.