More than 29 million people in the United States have been previously diagnosed with diabetes, and unfortunately, that number grows by approximately 1.4 million annually. What's the prevalence of diabetes today?
We all know someone who has diabetes. A lot of us even have family members who have been diagnosed with the condition. In the past, children who were often diagnosed with diabetes had Type 1 diabetes with Type 2 diabetes occurring during maturity. Today, snacks and processed foods which are high in simple carbs are eaten by kids on a regular basis. They additionally lead less physically active lifestyles. This has resulted in an increasing number of children being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes than ever before in the United States.
Common Diabetes Medicine and its Effects
Many people who develop diabetes don't even realize they have the disease. Of many of these individuals diagnoses, a good majority will probably be given one or more types of diabetes drugs. Some medications help the body become more sensitive to insulin. Others help the body make more insulin on its own.
Metformin is usually the first medication prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes. Sometimes this drug is prescribed as a preventive measure for patients who are considered "borderline" diabetics. Metformin is regarded as the safest option in diabetes drugs and medications. However, it has been recorded to cause vomiting, nausea, breathing difficulty, irregular or slow heartbeat, severe stomach cramps, muscle pain, fatigue, and drowsiness.
Advanced Drugs Hold an Even Greater Risk of Side Effects
Modern medications designed to treat diabetes include:
- Sulfonylureas, that help your body produce more insulin. These drugs can cause low blood sugar, hunger and weight gain, changes in urine color, upset stomach, and skin reactions.
- Meglitinides, which stimulate the pancreas to increase insulin production but with faster acting results than with sulfonylureas. This category of drugs may lead to temporary hair loss, back pain, headache, cold or flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, nausea, and joint pain.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists slow digestion to reduce blood glucose. These medications have minimal impact, so they are usually utilized in combination. GLP-1 medications may lead to gastrointestinal side effects.
- Thiazolidinediones, which increase insulin sensitivity. These medications are linked to a rise in the risk of fractures and heart failure. Other negative effects include painful urination and/or blood in the urine, shortness of breath, stomach pain, swelling, chest pain, rapid weight reduction, and the sensation of being ill.
- DPP-4 inhibitors, which lower blood sugar levels minimally. These medicines can cause flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal problems, and debilitating skin reactions.
- SGLT2 inhibitors, which cause sugar to be excreted in the urine rather than being absorbed by the kidneys. This category of drugs can lead to urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract infections, an increase in high blood cholesterol, increased genital yeast infections, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and urination.
- Insulin, that is used less often for patients with Type 2 diabetes than with Type 1. In treating patients with Type 2 than with Type 1, insulin is usually regarded as a last resort. The side effects include severe hypoglycemia which could result in seizures, coma, permanent deficits, cardiac arrhythmia, and departure.
Invokana Diabetes Drug Effects and Risks
There is more to be concerned about compared to the known side effects of a drug. The SGLT-2 drug Invokana is a perfect illustration of the true hazards of diabetes medication. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has given the drug a Black Box Warning for the increased risk of leg and foot amputations linked to the drug's use.
Research repeatedly shows that diabetes drugs may be more hazardous than the actual disease. Diabetes drugs work differently, but they're all designed to treat the outward signs of the disease. Case studies and research have shown that staying active, eating a healthy diet, and correcting the root causes are the best approach to address and to stop type 2 diabetes. Diabetes medications, on the other hand, can cause acute side-effects while only treating the symptoms.
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By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Wellness
Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
