The Side Effects Of Selected Diabetes Medications Part 1

Diabetes is a formidable chronic illness to be seriously considered. It sadly affects millions of people who move about without knowing it. If left unchecked diabetes can turn out to trigger to many other ailments which may include kidney failure, loss of sight and limbs. The condition itself is associated with problems with insulin which is essential for facilitating the absorption of blood glucose into the body. The disease is divided into two namely type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

There are a range of medications used to treat diabetes. To begin with these medications are also divided into two. Type 1 diabetes is usually treated using regular insulin injection. Type 2 diabetes can be treated using oral medications such as drugs.This can happen over a period of time for many years even. However it has been noted that individuals who suffer from type 2 diabetes and are on oral treatment may at a later stage require insulin injection as a result of oral drugs failing.

Just as many other medications, diabetes drugs vary and also carry some side effects. It is important for patients to known these side effects and report them immediately to the doctor when ever they occur;

Side Effects Of Sulfonylureas

One of the leading drugs for diabetes which has been in use in America for some a long time. Insulin is produced in the pancreas. When the pancreas fails to produce insulin glucose fills your blood stream leading to diabetes. These drugs are designed to force your pancreas into producing insulin. Sulfonylureas drugs are for patients with pancreas that is weak in producing insulin yet producing some. This is why it is for type 2 diabetes. Were there is absolutely no insulin this drug will be useless. Some side effects;

1 Nausea
2 Low blood sugar
3 Weight gain
4 Rash

Generic names of drugs under this medication include glipizide, glyburide. Brand name drugs include Amaryl, Glucotrol amd DiaBeta.

Side Effects Of Thiazolidinediones

Drugs that fall into this category again are for type 2 diabetes and work by facilitating the better usage of insulin by cells and also reducing glucose levels produced by your liver. The side effects;

1 Damage to patient’s liver
2 Fluid retention
3 Nausea
4 Feeling tired/fatigue
5 Abdominal pain
6 Colored urine

As mentioned earlier, type 1 diabetes patients will need to rely on injected insulin considering that in this category of diabetes the pancreas is absolutely failing to produce any insulin. You will need to work with your doctor all the way to ensure effective control of a diabetic condition.