What You Need to Know About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions. There are currently more than 24 million diabetics in the United States who struggle daily to maintain their blood sugar levels and lead a normal life.

Early symptoms of Diabetes include:
Increased hunger
Increase in Urinary Output
Unexplained Weight Loss
Excessive Thirst

Complications of Diabetes include:
Skin Infections
Nerve Damage
Vision Problems
High Blood Pressure
Kidney Failure
Heart Disease

As scientists continue in their research to find ways to better control this insidious disease, more and more people die from complications such as kidney failure, heart disease and nerve damage (neuropathy) which can lead to blindness and peripheral neuropathy which can lead to the loss of feeling in the feet and hands, sometimes resulting in amputations.

Being able to monitor glucose levels and maintain a normal or near normal level of blood sugar is key to managing Type 2 Diabetes. Doctors recommend low calorie, low carbohydrate diets and regular exercise as an effective means of controlling blood sugar levels. Diet, exercise and the right medications can help prevent many of the complications that often are associated with Type 2 Diabetes.

Because most people with Type 2 Diabetes are still able to produce some insulin, there are many medications that can help them manage their disease without the use of insulin injections.

Oral Medications for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
According to WebMD, there are a number of drug categories that can be used to assist with the management of Type 2 Diabetes:
Sulfonylureas - Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. Includes: Glucotrol, Amaryl
Biguanides - Improves insulin's ability to move sugar into the cells, especially muscle cells. It also prevents the liver from releasing stored sugars into the blood stream. (Should not be used in people with kidney damage or heart failure) Includes: Metformin, Glucophage
Thiazolidinediones - Improves insulin's effectiveness in muscle and fat tissue. (improves insulin resistance). Includes: Actos and Avandia
Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors - Slow the rise in blood sugar by blocking enzymes that digest starches. Includes: Precose and Glyset
Meglitinides - Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin.
Includes: Starlix, Prandin
DPP-IV Inhibitors - Increases insulin secretion from the pancreas and reduces sugar production. Includes: Januvia

Some of these drugs can be used in combination for even better control of blood sugar levels and should always be closely monitored by a physician due to possible side effects such as upset stomach, weight gain, skin rash, fluid retention, etc .

The FDA has recently approved a new drug, Onglyza, in the DPP-IV Inhibitor class. Onglyza is a once daily tablet produced by Bristol-Myers Squibb. The generic name is Saxagliptin and is in the same class of drugs as Januvia which is produced by Merck. The most common side effects of Onglyza are upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections,headaches and allergic reactions such as skin rash and hives.

Onglyza was approved by the FDA in July, 2009 and Januvia has been on the market since 2006.

Sources:

http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20090731/new-type-2-diabetes-drug-onglyza-approved

http://diabetes.webmd.com/default.htm