Other Medications
- Actos and Avandia
- Byetta
- cholesterol and lipid medications
- Exubera
- Januvia and Galvus
- Lantus
- Levemir
- metformin
- research about meds
- Symlin
If you would like a specific discussion forum about a different medication, please let me know!
Comments primarily about vitamins, supplements, herbal concoctions, "nutraceuticals", and nonprescription medications may be deleted without warning if, in my opinion, they are perceived as promotions, advertising, or outlandish testimonials: for example a claim that "I took PRODUCT X and lost 100 pounds in the first month" would be deleted.
Please review and follow our usual ground rules, at Ground Rules. (To share your thoughts, use the "Comments" link immediately below.)
Bill the diabetesdoc
info@diabetesmonitor.com
Diabetes.Blog.Com is a blogcompanion to our main website, the Diabetes Monitor, which you can find at http://www.diabetesmonitor.com
I don't think it would hurt to ask again especially if you are exercising and your bp is in control.
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I am trying it and hope to feel my feet soon.
Nice to see you posting again Lorraine.
Good luck with #5
I found #10 way too much for me.
Off to bed for hopefully a full night of zzzz's (Comment this)
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But is it safe? There again, the research is far to scant to make a reasonable decision on it. There are no known side effects - but it also hasn't been used outside one small tribe in Africa until the past two years. It's possible that there are side effects to long-term use that aren't yet evident.
Until then, use caution in purchasing products made with hoodia. Many of the commercially available products contain virtually no hoodia gordoni at all. Consult your doctor before undertaking any weight loss program that involves appetite suppressants. This is particularly important for those who've been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, as the action of the hoodia plant can trick the body into thinking that the blood sugar is fine even as they approach hypoglycemic shock.
http://www.healthguidance.org/articles/2751/1/Weight-Loss-And-Appetite-Suppressants---Hoodia
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I went to my diabeties support group meeting and saw a demostration of the inhaled insulin pump. I can see an advantage using the pump if you are in a restraunt, it would look like you were inhaling an asthma med instead of going to the bathroom to give yourself a shot. But the little blister packets only have, if I remember correctly, 3 units in each so if you need to take 9 units you have to inhale 3 times replacing the blister packet each time. I think the inhaled insulin will be better for people who have never taken a shot before and are afraid to rather than for people use to doing a 1 time shot. But it was interesting to see the newest soon to be available delivery system.
[If folks want me to, I'll set up a new discussion forum for inhaled insulin -- write me at info@diabetesmonitor.com
Exubera (from Pfizer) is on display at the ADA convention and the sales reps say it will be available in late July in the USA. Bill the diabetesdoc.]
(Comment this)Newly released Phase III studies presented here today at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 66th Annual Scientific Sessions demonstrated that JANUVIA(TM) (sitagliptin phosphate), Merck and Co., Inc.'s investigational oral, once-daily medicine for type 2 diabetes, significantly reduced blood sugar (glucose) levels when used as monotherapy or as an add-on treatment to two commonly used therapies (metformin or pioglitazone). Additionally, treatment with JANUVIA improved measures of beta cell function. Beta cells are cells in the pancreas that make and release insulin (a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy).
There is much more to the article see link below
http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=2392124 (Comment this)
Is it possible that the doc is planning to dc the Metformin and replace it with a low dosage of the Actos?
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If he is, he hasn't told my dad that. I just don't know why he would put him on Actos when Metformin is working fine. Wish my A1C was 5.6 & my fbg was 89. I have a feeling when my dad talks to his cardio he will tell him no way. So I was hoping to find some info for him about using it when you are a cardiac patient. What I read on the Actos web site wasn't encouraging. (Comment this)
If there is any question in yours or your dad's mind as to the instructions on switching or taking both the meds, then he definitely should check with his prescribing doc first. His T2 certainly appears well controlled for sure. Maybe now you'll be able to do as well soon! (Comment this)
instead of T2.. (Comment this)
He won't take it until he checks with his cardio for sure. We had a long discussion last night (he's in Tx & I'm in Mo) and he is sending all his test results to his cardio so that when he goes in for his appt the doc will have had time to review them. I also told him I think he needs to ask the endo exactly why he wants to add a medication & why in the world a fbg of 89 is too low. For years my bg was in the low 70's and was considered "normal". I just worried about the Actos from what I read on their web site about it not being for patients with a heart condition & I knew many people on this site have used it. I always prefer to talk to "real" people instead of just reading the manufacturer's take on things. (Comment this)
Just a note to let you know my dad's cardio told him no way on the Actos. So he is sending a copy of that to the endo to see what his reaction is. I am relieved as I know that would have been a bad move for him. (Comment this)
Many of us have learned that we need to be proactive with our health or that of a loved one and that it's ok to question something that just doesn't "feel right," in regard to our care. You have certainly proven that with this experience. Best wishes.. (Comment this)
It works by relieving general inflammation in the body. This permits the liver to return to the regulation of cyclic glucose-insulin balance. There is a history of 5 years of small group experimentation with the drug with good results.
In working with my Endocrinologist, I have taken the drug for 2 years now and seen my HbA1C go from 8.2 down to 6.5. I take 4 750mg capsules a day to get this result. I have also reduced my Humulog injection from 5 18-20 units a day to 3 or 4. I have not changed my 50 units of Lantus. This is an inexpensive drug that has been around a long time and has no drug company sponsorship.
This is a drug worth talking about to your endocrinologist. It is a legal option, more benign than aspirin, and supported by specific research. Investigate it on google and on the Joselin Research Center for diabetes. Hope this helps some type 2s that are struggling for control. Bill Bull. (Comment this)
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http://www.sciam.com/print_version.cfm?articleID=497D0B20F66CEBDEDC7935E3FFD46EFA
October 16, 2006
NEW YORK (Reuters) - As the first two drugs in a new diabetes-treatment class near U.S. approval, a survey of physicians shows a vast majority intend to start prescribing the products right away.
Merck & Co.'s Januvia is expected to win clearance any day, while Novartis AG's Galvus may be approved next month.
Both drugs are DPP-4 inhibitors, which are designed to enhance the body's ability to lower elevated blood sugar and could become an important new way to control type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease.
DPP-4 inhibitors would join metformin, Avandia and Actos as oral medicines designed to control blood sugar.
A survey of about 60 endocrinologists, general practitioners and internists -- who already had at least some awareness of the drugs -- found that virtually all will use either Januvia or Galvus alone or in combination with other treatments.
Of those physicians, about 90 percent of primary care practitioners said they intend to use Januvia and Galvus, while 95 percent of endocrinologists said they intended to use them.
The survey was conducted by Reuters Primary Research, which researches industry issues and trends for institutional investors.
"The fact that 90 percent of (surveyed) physicians said that they would use them from the get-go is a big number," said Mara Goldstein, head of health care research for Reuters Primary Research.
The survey found no major difference in how doctors may use Januvia and Galvus, including how they may prefer the new drugs over older therapies. The survey did not ask which the doctors would prefer, Januvia or Galvus.
Some doctors seem willing to use the newer drugs as a replacement for Byetta, which was launched in June 2005 by Eli Lilly and Co. and Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. and had sales of nearly $100 million in the second quarter.
Of the surveyed doctors who were open to using the new therapies, when asked about the likelihood of switching to either Januvia or Galvus from Byetta, more than 70 percent said they would be somewhat to very likely to change treatments.
Goldstein said those results reinforce the concern among investors that physicians will prescribe other drugs before turning to Byetta.
"That's how it (Byetta) has kind of been viewed, as the last stop before insulin," Goldstein said.
[FYI: We now have a discussion forum for Januvia and Galvus.
Bill the diabetes doc.]
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The FDA approved the once-a-day drug to treat type 2 diabetes, which affects the majority of the nearly 21 million Americans with the disease.
It occurs when the body builds resistance to insulin needed to break down food and causes blood sugar levels to be too high. Obesity is a major risk factor.
Merck said the price of the tablet will be $4.86 per day.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlebusiness.aspx?type=businessCompany&storyID=2006-10-17T134504Z_01_N17199438_RTRIDST_0_BUSINESSPROCO-MERCK-DIABETES-DC.XML&from=business
[FYI: We now have a discussion forum for Januvia and Galvus.
Bill the diabetes doc.]
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http://www.walmart.com/pharmacy
From antibiotics to heart medicines, get 300+ generic scripts at $4 each for up to a 30-day supply. Select states only. $4 Drug List (PDF)
Participating States (PDF)
http://i.walmart.com/i/if/hmp/fusion/genericdruglist.pdf
[I looked at the list, and think it's sufficiently newsworthy that I'll let it stay.
Bill the diabetes doc.]
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Learning to take the medication is based on experimentation. The bottle says take 15 minutes before meals. But you need to match you blood sugar reading and planned carbohydrate consumption for best result. I break in in half and into quarters sometimes. (Comment this)
FOR WHAT?
Does anyone have suggestion for over the counter could medication can be taken when diabetic?
Angela in Iowa
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Have you tried Diabetic Tussin?
Or you may need a anitbiotic if you have a siniuns infection.
Angela In Iowa
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Mr. T, I hope you are feeling better now. If the symptoms don't improve you should see your doctor. Good luck. Annie (Comment this)
Saxagliptin - early trials show a continual improvement over 12 weeks of monotharipy. It went from almost 0 improvement in H1AC to -1 in 12 weeks. (Comment this)
Isis Pharmaceuticals Reports Positive Phase 2 Data: ISIS 113715 Improves Glucose Control In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
ISIS 113715, a second-generation antisense drug, is a novel insulin sensitizer that reduces the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B). PTP-1B is a mediator of insulin resistance, one of two main defects in patients with type 2 diabetes.
PTP-1B we need to watch this. The science of insulin resistance is getting more specific. Even if this drug does not make it through the FDA trials the PTP-1B is something to watch.
Obesity & Diabetes Week Welcome to NewsRx!
Obesity Pathogenesis
Hepatic leptin resistance due to PTP1B overexpression may lead to diabetes and obesity
April 17th, 2006
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I have looked into many non-insulin chemicals that act like insulin. IGF-1, Insulin Like Growth Hormone Factor 1 acts to some extent like insulin. IGF-1 and HGH or Human Growth Hormone are released in a pulse typically early in the morning during times of low blood sugar. If you do research on HGH you will find that HGH causes insulin resistance, which is true. What they don’t tell you is that the IGF-1 that is produced at the same time provides additional insulin like pathway. The studies I’ve seen do not correlate HGH and net high blood sugar. I postulate that is because IGF-1 is countering the resistance of HGH.
Over the last 20 years, I’ve been looking at aging. The best model I’ve seen is Cushing's Syndrome. Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body's tissues are exposed to excessive levels of Cortisol for long periods of time. Cortisol is the bodies natural cortisone like prednisone. The theory that I like on aging identifies HGH as repairing the damage that the normal levels of Cortisol produce. As we age HGH decreases when HGH falls below the level which repairs the damage occurring by Cortisol then we start to age rapidly.
My pet theory follows the fact that HGH is produced in time in the morning of low blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed because individuals have high blood sugar in the morning, fasting blood sugar. Therefore, Type 2 diabetes is under my theory produces less HGH than even normal. With the theory of aging will enter the cross over point where the HGH cannot repair the damage at an earlier age.
Compare the symptoms of long-term prednisone usage and type 2 diabetes symptoms.
Symptoms vary, but most people have upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, and thinning arms and legs. Children tend to be obese with slowed growth rates.
Other symptoms appear in the skin, which becomes fragile and thin. It bruises easily and heals poorly. Purplish pink stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and breasts. The bones are weakened, and routine activities such as bending, lifting or rising from a chair may lead to backaches, rib and spinal column fractures.
Most people have severe fatigue, weak muscles, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Irritability, anxiety and depression are common.
Women usually have excess hair growth on their faces, necks, chests, abdomens, and thighs. Their menstrual periods may become irregular or stop. Men have decreased fertility with diminished or absent desire for sex.
Type 2 diabetes: thinning of the skin, slow to heal, fatigue, weak muscles, high blood pressure, weight gain, and high blood sugar. This is picture of aging and type 2 diabetes.
The single most important thing you can do is to get your fasting blood sugar down in the am.
I also think it is worse; Cortisol is produced in abundance when the metabolic syndrome is kicking in. The IGF-1 looks to me as a layman that the IGF-1 uses a different signaling pathway than the typical insulin pathways.
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"An orally available 'small molecules' recently identified by CAS scientists may hold the key to a more convenient treatment of the most common type of human diabetes, released the website of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) at the beginning of 2007.
According to the report, researchers made key discoveries when studying the agonists of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), which is a widely acknowledged important drug target for metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. By mimicking the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an essential incretin hormone which augments insulin secretion in response to food intake, GLP-1R helps to maintain glucose homeostasis within the human body."
http://english.cas.ac.cn/eng2003/news/detailnewsb.asp?InfoNo=26360
[NOTE: This comment is off-topic, and should have been posted elsewhere, at Research about meds. I will let it stay, but in the future, if anyone wants to discuss this further, please post a brief comment here to tell folks that the followup will be there. Thanks!
Bill the diabetes doc.]
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In the article on the study it said that it worked to reduce the inflammation in obese people and reduced the insulin resistance thereby reducing blood glucose levels in the participants given the Salsalate.
It sounds promising and I want to discuss with my endo the possibility of trying that medicine.
Let me know what you have heard about this study.
clk (Comment this)
Disalcid (Salsalate) insulin resistance reducing blood glucose Joslin Center Study. I wish I could answer your question exactly, but I did not find an exact answer. All of what I read on the subject indicated that larger doses of drugs in this class of drugs reduce insulin resistance. In fact researchers noticed large doses of aspirin helped metabolize glucose about 100 years ago. One site indicated that Salsalate should be limited to no more than 3,000 mg a day. Salsalate is very inexpensive. The high dosages of aspirin and Salsalate are usually given for arthritis.
Description: Salsalate is a non-acetylated, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent. Salsalate (salicylsalicylic acid) is composed of two molecules of salicylic acid joined by an ester link. The ester bond of salsalate occurs at the carboxyl group of one salicylic acid molecule and the hydroxyl group of another. Salsalate has analgesic properties, but clinical evidence of its effectiveness as an antipyretic is lacking. Salsalate is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It has fewer gastrointestinal effects than aspirin and has no clinically significant effect on platelet function. Salsalate was FDA-approved in 1977.
This research caused me to look for other drugs that are known to lower blood glucose, for a small example: Quinine, Chromium, and Salsalate. http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/type2_information/treatment/Drug_List.pdf This was the first time I saw study information indicating Chromium as beneficial in lowering glucose. Most of the other citations are antidotal.
The most exciting thing I discovered is Salicin from Willow Bark. Salicin is the precursor for aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid. Picture salicyl alcohol where the hydrogen is replaced by a glucose molecule.
In two separate studies conducted in 2004, Pycnogenol was found to
significantly lower blood sugar levels in type II diabetes patients. So there are good things in bark: White Willow, French Maritime Pine, and Cinnamon, so eat bark.
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SucraBlast (Comment this)
Diabetes Drug Tied to Heart Risks
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=3196454
fyi (Comment this)
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01636.html
"FDA is not asking GlaxoSmithKline, the drug's sponsor, to take any specific action at this time. FDA is providing this emerging information to prescribers so that they, and their patients, can make individualized treatment decisions." (Comment this)
Diabetes
Several studies suggest that treatment with ALA may help reduce pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness in people who have nerve damage (called peripheral neuropathy) caused by diabetes. Alpha-lipoic acid has been used for years for this purpose in Europe. Other studies have shown that alpha-lipoic acid speeds the removal of glucose (sugar) from the blood of people with diabetes and that this antioxidant may prevent kidney damage associated with diabetes in animals.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/alpha-lipoic-000285.htm
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click here. (Comment this)
If you have let me know what you think as I might like to try this maybe it will help with the constapation Byetta seem to give me and help me loose some weight.
The drug will come in "starter kits" containing a food journal, a healthy eating guide and a fat and calorie reference guide. A 60-capsule kit will cost about $50 while a 90-capsule pack will cost about $60. Recommended usage is one to three pills daily.
Labeling indicates Alli is appropriate for anybody who is overweight, or has a body mass index of 25 or higher. A body mass index over 30 is considered obese.
Glaxo Smith Kline is frank about those unpleasant effects, which it says can be controlled if the drug is used properly. The campaign stresses the importance of keeping meals under 15 grams of fat to avoid effects
In clinical trials, the FDA says that people using Alli lost an additional 2 to 3 pounds for every 5 pounds lost through diet and exercise. The FDA approved Alli to be sold over the counter in February.
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He has also having me increase my chromium pic. from 400 mcg to 1000mcg. I thought this sounded a little high but he is quite well know in diabetes research and supplements.
I appreciate any information you can give me or reliable websites that address vitamin D and diabetes.
thanks,
clk (Comment this)