The word Diabetes dates back to 250 BC. Diabetes is a condition when the blood glucose levels are deviating from the normal. Glucose present in our body enters via our food. Food after digestion is converted into glucose. This glucose enters the bloodstream and from where it is absorbed by body cells for energy production.
Insulin Role in Diabetes Treatment
Earlier the cause of diabetes was not known. But it was in 1889 when Mering and Minkowski’s team discovered the role of the Pancreas in the disease[4]. The pancreas is a small organ in the abdomen behind the stomach. It produces a hormone named Insulin. It was in 1922 when Banting and his team discovered this hormone insulin [4]. Read to know about the uses of Galvus Met 50mg/500mg tablet for diabetes.
Insulin plays an important role in regulating glucose levels in the bloodstream. Insulin helps the cells to absorb blood glucose. Thus, any change in insulin levels shall have an impact on glucose absorption by the cells. It was found that insulin deficiency leads to type-1 diabetes. Insulin deficiency occurs when the pancreas cells are damaged due to illness [4].
Moreover, in some cases, it is also found that body cells become resistant to insulin. Thus, insulin sensitivity decreases. This decreases glucose absorption by the cells. As a result, the glucose levels in the bloodstream remain high, leading to type- 2 diabetes.
It is also found that the liver stores extra body glucose in the form of glycogen. The liver uses it in times of critical body energy needs. Liver infection or liver disease along with insulin deficiency can cause glucose levels to go abnormal.
For diabetes treatment, the blood glucose levels are to be controlled. It was Banting and his team that suggested insulin as an effective option in the treatment of diabetes [4]. Since then numerous researches on medication similar to insulin, external insulin was carried out. Thus, the commonly prescribed medicines for diabetes management aim to act as follows:
- to control blood glucose levels by increasing blood glucose absorption by the body cells
- aim to enhance insulin sensitivity
- to increase insulin levels and thus overcome insulin deficiency
- to regulate liver glycogen production
Medicines used in diabetes treatment
1.Insulin
Insulin is a highly used medicine for diabetes treatment. It is widely prescribed for type-1 diabetes. As the body is unable to produce its insulin, external insulin therapy is used. Insulin is also given to type-2 diabetic patients when needed. Various options of insulin include:
- Short-acting insulin: These external insulin therapies wear off quickly. It is taken 30 minutes before the meals[1]. Example: Humulin and Novolin [1]
- Rapid-acting insulin: It acts quickly and helps to drop blood sugar levels quickly. But it lasts for a short time. Example: Apidra (glulisine), Humalog (lispro), Novolog (aspart) [1].
- Intermediate-acting insulin: These contain buffer substances that make them effective for a long time in the body and can be effective for 14 hours [1]. Example: Humulin N, Novolin N (insulin NPH) [1].
- Long-acting insulin: These are effective for 24 hours and thus are long-lasting. Example: Lantus (glargine), Levemir (detemir) [1]
- Combination insulin: This is the combination of the above insulin. Example: NovoLog Mix 70/30 (insulin aspart protamine-insulin aspart), Humalog Mix 75/25 (insulin lispro protamine-insulin lispro) [1].
- 2.Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors:
These are the category of medicines that slows the carbohydrate food digestion process. Therefore constant blood glucose levels are maintained even after eating food. But these medicines can cause digestive problems and diarrhea [3].
Example: Miglitol (Glyset).
3.Biguanides:
Biguanides are medicines that are capable of decreasing the amounts of sugar the liver makes and releases in the bloodstream. These medicines decrease intestinal sugar absorption and make the body more sensitive to insulin. This in turn causes the muscles to absorb more glucose and thus helps in maintaining blood glucose levels [3].
Example: The most widely used medicine under this category is Metformin. Other variants are metformin-glipizide, metformin-glyburide (Glucovance), etc.
4.DPP-4 inhibitors:
DPP-4 inhibitors are known as dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)–4 inhibitors. These are an anti-diabetic drug that blocks the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4. Due to which the hormone incretin breakdown is prevented. Incretin plays an important role in decreasing blood glucose levels only when the levels are high in the body. Thus, DPP-4 inhibitors allow the hormone incretin to remain active rather than being broken down [2]. This results in a decrease in blood glucose levels without causing hypoglycemia [2]. In some cases, the medicine also helps the pancreas cells to produce more insulin. But the common side effect of these medications is weight gain [3].
Example: linagliptin (Tradjenta), alogliptin-metformin (Kazano)
5.Thiazolidinediones
The liver helps in storing excessive glucose in the body. This excessive glucose can cause issues when the body faces insulin deficiency. Thus, these thiazolidinediones medicines decrease the glucose stored in the liver [3]. Moreover, these medicines help the body fat cells to utilize insulin in a better manner. One of the side effects of these medicines is an increased risk of heart-related diseases. It is, therefore, necessary to avoid these medicines if you have heart disease [3].
Example: pioglitazone (Actos), pioglitazone-metformin (Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR)
6.Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are the oldest kind of medicine used for diabetic treatment. These medicines act on the beta cells that produce insulin. These categories of medicines thus help in keeping the beta cells healthy. This increases insulin production [3].
Example: glimepiride-pioglitazone (Duetact), gliclazide, glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase), tolazamide (Tolinase), etc.
Guidelines
Apart from others, your doctor may prescribe other related medicines based on your condition. You may also need medicines for managing your blood ketones levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and medicines for blood circulation.
- Before consuming the medicine it is generally advised to measure your blood glucose levels. If the levels are abnormal consult the doctor immediately.
- In case of overdosage, seek immediate medical treatment.
- For conditions like pregnancy, lactation, and other illness it is generally advised to consult the doctors and take the medicine.
- You should take your medicines as prescribed by the doctor and in case you notice any side effects or symptoms of uneasiness consult the doctor immediately.
Bottom line:
Each medicine works in different ways to control your blood glucose levels. The dosage and its need vary from one person to another person. You should use medicines as prescribed by your doctor. Proper treatment and medication is a key step to achieve the goal of diabetes reversal. For more information on treatment, medicines, side effects, usage, and diabetes reversal join Breathe Well-Being online diabetes reversal program.
