Diabetes - how to treat and defeat? Know its basics, medications, adverse impacts, precautions, etc. (December 2024):

 


What is diabetes?

Before understanding diabetes, we should know how the sugar is processed in our body.

A summary of the processing of the sugar in our body is given below:

  • Our body uses glucose (a type of sugar) for energy, and glucose comes from food and drink intake. We should know that carbohydrates (starch and sugar) increase the blood glucose levels the most compared to other nutrients (protein and fat) we get from food and drink. Starch is a carbohydrate in food like bread, potato, and rice.

  • Our body breaks down most of the food into sugar (glucose) and sends it to the bloodstream.

  • When the sugar level rises in the bloodstream, it signals the pancreas to release insulin.

  • Insulin sends the blood sugar into body cells to use as energy.

  • Insulin (a hormone) regulates the movement of sugar from the bloodstream to cells of the body, and then sugar is used for energy.

  • Due to insufficient or absent insulin, the sugar stays in the bloodstream and can not be used for energy.  In some people, the pancreas produces sufficient insulin but the body does not respond well.

  • The Pancreas (an organ of the body) produces the insulin needed for our body.

  • The Islet cells in the pancreas create the insulin. The pancreas will do other functions as usual even if it is unable to produce the insulin as needed.

  • Damage in any part of the process for the movement of glucose from the bloodstream to cells causes diabetes.

  • If a person is diabetic, It means that the pancreas produces insufficient or no insulin, and/or cells do not respond to insulin as well as they should.

  • Compared to normal blood sugar levels, the raised sugar (glucose) level is called Hyperglycaemia, and the low sugar level is called hypoglycemia.

  • Suppose the high level of sugar (Hyperglycaemia) stays in the bloodstream longer than normal, In that case, the body cells do not get sufficient energy, and if this situation (uncontrolled diabetes)  continues for a long time, it can cause many serious health problems.

Diabetes may be mainly classified into the following three categories: 

  • Type-1 diabetes

  • Type-2 diabetes

  • Gestational diabetes (it happens during pregnancy).


The different types of diabetes may be described below:

  • Type-1 diabetes:

  • It is an auto-immune disease.

  • Earlier it was called Insulin-dependent, Juvenile, or childhood onset.

  • It is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction.

  • Due to an autoimmune reaction, the body attacks islet cells (which make insulin in the pancreas) by mistake, and the pancreas does not produce insulin.


It is yet to be found out why the immune system attacks on islet cells in the pancreas. However, it may be possible due to the following reasons:

  • Genes

  • Viruses

  • Foods

  • Chemicals


Some people may lose the ability to produce insulin due the various reasons like chronic type-2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic surgery.


  • The daily dose of insulin as prescribed by an authorized medical professional is needed for survival.

  • Type-1 diabetes is mostly found in children and adults. However, it can be diagnosed at any age.

  • Most of the time, Its symptoms develop quickly.

  • Currently, its prevention is not available.

  • Type-2 diabetes:

  • It is a health condition, not an autoimmune disorder.

  • Earlier it was called non-insulin-dependent or adult onset.

  • The pancreas produces less insulin as needed, or the pancreas produces sufficient insulin but the body does not use it well.

  • In type-2 diabetes, sugar levels remain higher than normal, if not treated well.

  • It takes time to develop and is found in the adults. However, children, teenagers, and young adults also now suffer from Type-2 diabetes. Mostly found in people over 45 or younger people with obesity or genetic reasons.

  • You may not notice any symptoms of Type-2 diabetes, especially at the initial stage. Therefore blood sugar tests are needed to know the sugar levels.

  • Most of the time it is preventable.

  • Type-2 diabetes can develop due to various reasons including being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, and genetics.


  • Gestational diabetes:

  • It develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes.

  • In Gestational diabetes, blood sugar levels are observed high but not so high as in other diabetes.

  • Due to this, pregnant women may have a high risk of complications during pregnancy and/or at the time of delivery.

  • Pregnant women have a high risk of type-2 diabetes at a later stage due to its effect.

  • It can cause serious health issues for a newborn baby.

  • The born baby is likely to have obesity during childhood or teenage and may develop type-2 diabetes at a later stage of life.

  • It can be diagnosed by prenatal screening tests, not by symptoms.


  • Prediabetes:

  • In prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not so much high as in the case of Type-2 diabetes.

  • Any prediabetic person has a risk of developing type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.


  • Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), and Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG):

It is a transition period for normal people to become diabetic.

People with IGT or IFG have a high risk of getting type-2 diabetes, but it is not necessary.

Different types of treatment are required to prevent it from becoming type-2 diabetes. 


Symptoms (Signs) of the diabetes:

Symptoms of diabetes may occur quickly in the case of Type-1 diabetes. However, in type-2 diabetes, these may develop slowly, so may take years to notice it.


Some of the symptoms of both types of diabetes (Type-1 and Type-2) are the same as listed below:

  • Feeling extreme thirst may be the first symptom of diabetes.

  • Abnormal hunger.

  • Fatigue, Tiredness, or lack of energy.

  • Blurred vision.

  • Irritability.

  • Increased need for urination.

  • Headache


People with type-2 diabetes may also have the following symptoms:

  • Frequent or recurring infections.

  • Poor wound healing.

  • Numbness or tingling in the hand and foot.

  • Problems with gums.

  • Itching.

  • Erection problems.


Adverse Impact (Dangers) of diabetes:

Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition.

Untreated diabetes will build up glucose in the bloodstream which can damage or shut down vital organs like blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves. It may lead to the following health issues:

  • Permanent blindness (vision loss), cataracts, glaucoma, and visual disturbances like floaters.

  • Kidney failure: Microalbuminuria (an increased amount of protein in the urine) may indicate that the kidneys have some damage and are not functioning well.

  • Heart attack

  • Stroke.

  • Gastroparesis (Bloating, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting).

  • Lower Limb Amputation: Due to damage to nerves and poor blood flow, ulcers develop in the foot and may lead to amputation.


  • Central Nervous System (CNS): 

CNS includes the brain and spinal cord. Due to the diabetic conditions, the following issues may develop:

  • Diabetes damages the nervous system. It is called diabetic neuropathy.

  • Affects the perception of heat, cold, and pain.

  • Due to lack of sensation, an injury may lead to serious infections.

  • Swollen and leaky blood vessels in the eyes can lead to blindness. Regular checkup with eye specialists is needed because, at the initial stage, symptoms of the problem may be mild.


  • Integumentary system:

It is the outer layer of the body that includes skin, hair, nails, glands, and nerves on the skin.

The integumentary system protects us from infection, bacteria, sunlight, and injury.

Due to diabetic conditions, the following problems may arise:

  • High blood sugar makes the skin dehydrated. Due to lack of moisture, the skin, especially on the feet may be dry or cracked.

  • Risk of infections (Bacterial, yeast, and fungal infections). Feet are most vulnerable to such problems.

  • Symptoms include redness, color change, itching, blistering, etc.

  • High-pressure spots under the foot may cause calluses, and it can contract infection or develop ulcers.

  • Diabetic people are also prone to boils, infection of hair follicles, styes, infected nails, etc.


  • Circulatory system:

Diabetes raises various health issues related to the circulatory system as given below:

  • High blood pressure and strain on the heart.

  • Restricted blood flow in the blood vessels.

  • Lack of blood flow affects hands and feet and causes pain while walking.

  • Narrow blood vessels in the feet can cause a lack of sensation.


  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA):

  • Another danger of untreated diabetes is to force your body into ketoacidosis, an imbalance that leads to coma or death. It arises from our body’s attempt to find other forms of energy. Ketoacidosis  may have the following symptoms:

  • Vomiting and Nausea.

  • Abdominal pain.

  • Dehydration.

  • Drowsiness.

  • Abnormal deep and fast breathing.

  • Dry skin and mouth.

  • Fruity breathe odor or sweet-smelling breath due to elevated levels of ketones in the blood.

  • Rapid pulse.

  • Low blood pressure.

  • Coma.

High blood sugar levels and excess ketones in the urine indicate diabetic ketoacidosis.

If untreated,  it may lead to coma or even death.  


  • HHS:

Diabetic Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome (HHS) is also a condition of type-2 diabetes. In this condition, a high sugar level without ketones is found. HHS is most common in people whose diabetes is not diagnosed, or not being managed properly. It can also occur due to heart attack, stroke, or infection. In HHS, people are found dehydrated or even may lose consciousness.


Note:

Always consult a medical professional (Doctor, healthcare provider, endocrinologist, etc.).

They can diagnose and treat it. 


Prevention of Diabetes:

  • Type-I diabetes:

  • Currently, Type-1 diabetes can not be prevented.

  •  We have to take insulin for survival.

  • Guidance from a medical expert is needed for treatment.


  • Gestational diabetes:

  • Gestational diabetes normally goes away after the delivery of the baby. However, it has the chance to develop Type-2 diabetes at a later stage of life. Take the help of a medical expert to prevent developing type-2 diabetes.


  • Type-2 diabetes:

  • Prediabetes and type-2 diabetes can be prevented, or delayed with a lifestyle change.

  • Early detection and regular treatment are needed to prevent the worst effects of it.


Treatment of diabetes: 

Diagnoses tests (mostly blood, and urine samples) for blood sugar levels and diabetic effects on body parts are needed from time to time under the guidance of an authorized medical professional/Healthcare provider.


Different medications adopt different methods to control the sugar level in the body, they may work like the below:

  • Increase the production and release of insulin from the pancreas.

  • Limit the ability of the liver to produce and release the sugar. 

  • Block the action of enzymes in the intestine that break down carbohydrates (starch and sugar). It will slow down the process of cells to take on carbohydrates.

  • Improves the cell's sensitivity to insulin.

  • Limit the ability of kidneys to take in sugar. It will pass on the increased amount of sugar through urine.

  • Slow down the movement of food into the stomach.

  • Inhaling or injecting the insulin alone or in combination with other diabetic medicines.


Some diabetic people may also need medications to reduce their high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other complications. 


Additional treatment may be needed to diagnose and treat the worse effects of diabetes effects on the body as given below:

  • Foot care to treat the ulcer

  • Eye exam for retinopathy (which causes blindness).

  • Treatment of different body organs (kidney, Liver, blood vessels, brain, etc.) likely to be affected by diabetes.


At the initial stage of type-2 diabetes and during the medications, the following lifestyle habits help manage the problem:

  • Healthy eating.

  • Regular physical activities.

  • Maintain a healthy body weight.


Various types of medications are available to prevent, or delay the worse effects of diabetes.

Only an authorized medical professional (doctor, specialist, healthcare provider, endocrinologist, etc.) can prescribe the proper combination of medicines and their doses.


Some medications are listed below:

Gluczone-Like-Peptied-1  (GLP-1) analogous:

  • It increases the production of insulin.

  • It is usually given as an injection.

Insulin :

  • People with type-1 diabetes need insulin for long-life survival.

  • Some people with type-2 diabetes or gestational diabetes may need insulin treatment.


How do I take the insulin injection?

  • It is better to take the training for injecting the insulin. 

  • It may be taken in various ways: Syringe, Insulin pen, Insulin pump, or inhalation.

  • An insulin pen is a convenient way to take insulin.

  • The insulin pump delivers the insulin automatically. A  thin plastic tube is placed under the skin.

  • Now insulin inhaling system is also available.


Insulin options:

Insulin may be inhaled or injected into the body.

It works well for the treatment of type-1 and type-2 diabetes.

The following options may be available: 

Inhaled insulin:

  • It works very fast and is breathed in through the lungs.

  • It should not be used by lung patients.

  • Some side effects: Low blood sugar, a cough, and a sore throat.


Insulin Glargine-Yfgn:

  • It is injected using a pre-filled pen.

  • It is a synthetic and long-lasting insulin medication for type-1 and type-2 diabetes.

  • May reduce the blood sugar level too low (Hypoglycemia), so be careful for complications.

  • May cause an allergic reaction.

  • Not made for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. It is a medical emergency and occurs when the blood becomes too acidic.


Insulin Degludec Injection:

  • It is a long-lasting injectable insulin to improve the control of glycemic control for the treatment of type-1 and type-2 diabetes.

  • It is not made for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Insulin Degludec and Liraglutide Injection:

  • It is injectable long-lasting insulin.

  • Along with diet and exercise, it is used to improve glycemic control for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.

  • It is not made as a first choice of medication for those who do not get the improvement in the blood sugar control with diet and exercise.

  • Warning: may cause the risk of thyroid tumors.


Insuline Glargine Injection:

  • It is injectable long-lasting insulin.

  • It is used to improve glycemic control in type-1 and type-2 diabetes.

Exenatide Extended-Release:

  • It is injectable insulin and used for the treatment of type-2 diabetes with diet and exercise to improve the blood sugar level control.

  • It is not made as a first choice for those who do not see the improvement in the blood sugar level control with diet and exercise.

  • It is not used for the treatment of type-1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis.

  • It may have the side effects of nausea, vomiting, headache, stomachache, and diarrhea.

  • Warning - may cause a risk of thyroid tumors.


Insulin Glargine and Lixisenatide Injection:

  • It is an injection that contains insulin and Glucagon-Like-Peptide which is a hormone that triggers insulin release.

  • It is used for the treatment of type-2 diabetes with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.

  • It is not recommended for diabetes with gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach can not get emptied properly.


Semaglutide:

  • It is Glucagon-Like-Peptide injection used along with diet and exercise to improve the glycemic control in type-2 diabetes.

  • It may cause loss of body weight.

  • Warning - may cause the risk of thyroid tumors.

  • Potential increased risk of intestinal blockage. The condition, called ileus, occurs when there are problems pushing food through the intestine and can cause build-up and blockage there.


Tirzepatide:

  • It is an injectable medication.

  •  It is a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist which is used along with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in the treatment of type-2 diabetes.

  • It is available in an auto-injector pen with a pre-attached, hidden needle that doesn't need to be handled or seen.

  • Warning - This may cause the risk of thyroid tumors.

  •  It should not be used if

    •  someone in the family has ever had a type of thyroid cancer called Medullary Thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

    • The person has Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).


Non-insulin (Oral medications) treatment:

In the non-insulin treatment (oral pills and capsules), various types of medicines and their combination are given by the medical professional for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.

Some oral medications are  listed below:


Biguanides:

Metformin is the main type of biguanide.

Descriptions: 

  • Most of the people start the medication with metformin.

  • It reduces the ability of the liver to produce and release glucose (sugar) into the blood.

  • It increases the sensitivity of the cells and muscle tissues to insulin. So they can absorb more glucose for energy.

  • It is a very effective medicine.

  • It may cause minor weight loss.

Side effects: 

  • Nausea

  • Stomach pain, and upset stomach.

  • Metallic taste in the mouth.

  • Feeling sick

  • Diarrhea

  • Very rarely - a harmful buildup of lactic acid (a condition called lactic acidosis) - in people with kidney or liver failure.


Note: If plain metformin is not found suitable, a health professional may recommend the metformin SR (Slow or Sustained Release) or ER (Extended Release).

Sulphonylureas:

Its examples are given below:

  • Glipizide

  • Glimepiride

  • Glyburide

  • Gliclazide

  • Glibenclamide

  • Tolbutamide


Description:

  • It increases the production of insulin in the pancreas.

  • Usually, it is given with metformin, If diet, exercise, and metformin alone, do not control diabetes properly. 

 

Side effects:

  • Hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar level). 

  • Weight gain. 

  • Skin rashes.

  • Sulphonylureas can interact with alcohol and cause nausea, vomiting, flushing, or sickness.

 

All sulphonylureas have similar effects on blood sugar levels but differ in side effects and interaction with other drugs.


Thiazolidinediones (TZDs):

It is also called Glitazones.

Some examples of TZDs:

  • Rosiglitazone

  • Piozlitazone


Description:

  • It increases the cell’s sensitivity (sensitivity of muscle and fat tissues) to insulin.

  • It reduces the ability of the liver to produce and release the sugar.

  • It may increase the good cholesterol (HDL).


Possible side effects:

  • Can cause fluid/water retention (Oedema).

  • May increase the risk of broken bones, heart problems, and heart failure.

  • Pioglitazone may increase the risk of bladder cancer.

  • People with a history of heart failure or liver problems should avoid TZDs.


Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors:

Some examples:

  • Acarbose

  • Miglitol


Description:

  • It slows down the ability of the body to break down starches and some sugars (carbohydrates) into glucose.

  • It does not cause weight gain.

  • It does not drop the blood sugar levels too low (hypoglycemia) if you do not take it with insulin or Sulphonylurea.


May have the following side effects:

  • Gas

  • Stomach pain

  • Diahrea

  • Flatulence


Sodium-glucose co-transporters Type- 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors.

Some of the examples of SGLT-2 are listed below:

  • Canagliflozin 

  • Dapagliflozin 

  • Empagliflozin 

  • Ertugliflozin 

  • Bexagliflozin 

  • Sotagliflozin


Description:

  • It reduces the ability of the kidney to take in sugar and increases the amount of glucose excreted in the urine. It sends extra glucose out of the body through pee (urine).

  • It helps your heart pump blood around your body.

  • It may cause weight loss.

  • It is usually given in combination with other diabetic medicines.


It may have the following side effects:

  • Feeling thirst

  • Frequent urination.

  • Urinary Tract infections.

  • Vaginal yeast infections.

  • Pelvic or back pain.

  • Vaginal or penile itchiness, discomfort, or swelling.

  • Low blood pressure.

  • Tiredness or weakness.

  • Fever or flu-like symptoms.

  • Leg or foot swelling.

  • Rarely, it can cause a serious complication called Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA).


Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors:

  • DPP-4 inhibitors (gliptins) help improve blood sugar levels by preventing the breakdown of GLP-1, a compound in the body.

  • Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that helps control blood glucose levels and obesity naturally, but it normally breaks down and stops working very quickly.

  • DPP-4 inhibitors allow GLP-1 to remain active in the body longer, lowering blood sugar levels only when they’re elevated.

  • They provide a feeling of the stomach being full for a longer period (satiety).


Examples of DPP-4 are given below:

  • Saxagliptin

  • Sitagliptin

  • Linagliptin

  • Alogliptin

  • Vildagliptin


Descriptions:

  • They are also known as Gliptins.

  • It increases the secretion of insulin by the body when the sugar level rises.

  • Limit the liver's ability to release the glucose.

  • It decreases the activity of the Glucagon hormone.

  • Glucagon hormone is produced by the pancreas and increases the glucose level in the blood.

  • It does not cause weight gain.

  • It does not cause blood sugar levels to drop too low when used alone with metformin.

  • Side effects: Upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat, and headache. 


Meglitinides (Glinides):

Examples of Meglitinides are below:

  • Repaglinide

  • Nateglinide


Description:

  • Increase the release of insulin from the pancreas.

  • Works very fast.

  • Side effects: (1) Weight gain, and (2) blood sugar level may drop too low (Hypoglycemia).



  • Please take the right dose to avoid Hypoglycemia.


Bile Acid Sequestrants (BASs):

It is a group of rasin that reduces cholesterol as well as sugar levels.

Colesevelam is a BAS.

Description:

  • Colesevelam has a small effect in lowering the blood sugar level when used with other diabetic medicines.

  • It lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL) also.

  • It is considered safe for people with liver problems.


It may have the following side effects:

  • Gas

  • Constipation

  • Indigestion

  • Rise in blood fats (Triglycerides).


Dopamine-2 agonists:

It reset the hypothalamic circadian rhythm. This reset helps reverse insulin resistance and lower the glucose production in the liver.

Bromocriptine is the only USFDA-approved dopamine-2 agonist that is used for type-2 diabetic treatment.

Diabetic medicines as a shot:

Some examples of diabetic medicine as a shot are listed below:

Amylin mimetics:

Pramlintide is an amylin mimetic.

Description:

  • It helps to regulate the blood sugar.

  • It causes slow movement of food through the stomach.

  • It is used with insulin shots.

  • It may decrease hunger.

  • It may cause minor weight loss.


It may cause the following side effects:

  • May drop the blood sugar level too low.

  • Nausea

  • Abdominal pain

Incretin mimetic (GLP-1 receptor agonists):

Some of the examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists are listed below:

  • Dulaglutide.

  • Exenatide.

  • Liraglutide.

  • Lixisenatide.

  • Semaglutide.

  • Trizepatide.


Description:

  • It causes the release of insulin as the blood sugar level rises.

  • It may be used with metformin, basal insulin, or sulphonylurea.

  • It may decrease hunger and body weight.


It may have the following side effects:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Abdominal pain.

  • May increase the risk of an inflamed pancreas (Pancreatitis).

Some latest oral medications to treat diabetes:

The below medicines are used for type-2 diabetes. Its dosage and usage vary as per health condition of the person. Always have a recommendation from an authorized medical professional to use any medications.

Ertugliflozin

Empagliflozin + Linagliptin

Ertugliflozin + Sitagliptin

Dapagliflozin and Metformin HCI extended-release

(HCl stands for Hydro Chloride)

This medication has a warning for lactic acidosis.

Empagliflozin + Metformin Hydrochloride.

This medication has a warning for lactic acidosis.

Ertugliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride.

This medication has a warning for lactic acidosis.

Note:

Lacto Acidosis is a medical emergency that occurs when too much acid builds up in the blood. Therefore some medicines have Lacto Acidosis warning.

Finerenone:

It is used to treat the loss of kidney function, or chronic kidney disease, in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also aims to reduce the risk of kidney failure, heart attack, and death due to heart conditions.

Side effects may include low blood pressure and low sodium levels. Another side effect is high levels of a chemical in the body called potassium, which can lead to severe symptoms.


FAQ (Frequent Answers and Questions):

Which is the most common medicine for Type-2 diabetes?

Metformin is the most common medicine, generally prescribed by the medical professional. It is tried first to treat the type-2 diabetes.

It is a well-researched medicine and has been used for a long time.

What will happen if an overdose is taken by a diabetic person?

If a diabetic person takes an overdose of medicines or does not have sufficient meals after taking the diabetic medicines, the sugar level in the blood may down sharply, it is called hypoglycemia ( or simply hypo). It will cause severe complications if fast sugar-increasing food or immediate treatment from a medical professional (doctor, endocrinologist, etc.) is not taken.


Meglitinides and sulfonylureas are prone to reduce the blood sugar level too low. 


Without proper treatment, severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.  

What are the symptoms and treatment for hypoglycemia?

Symptoms of hypoglycemia are listed below:

  • Shaking or trembling.

  • Sweating and chills.

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.

  • Weakness.

  • Flushed face.

  • Faster breath rate.

  • Hyperphagia (Intense hunger).

  • Difficulty in thinking, speaking, and concentration.

  • Anxiety and irritability.

  • Pale skin (Pallor).

  • Nausea.

  • Tingling or numbness of lips, tongue, or cheek.

  • Blurred vision.

  • Seizure

  • Coma


Treatment of Hypoglycemia:


Sugar or carbohydrates should be consumed immediately.

Some more options are given below:

  • Eat or drink 15 grams of carb food such as half a banana, or half a cup of apple juice. It will raise the blood sugar level.

  • After 15 minutes, check the blood sugar level. If it is still below 70mg/Dl, take another 15 grams of carbs.

  • Repeat until it is more than 70mg/Dl.

  • If the person is unresponsive or unconscious, don't give any food or liquid to the victim. Immediately take the help of medical professionals, doctors, specialists, hospitals, clinics, etc.

Are oral medications for diabetes during pregnancy or planning for pregnancy safe? 

Generally, oral medications for diabetes are not recommended during such periods. In case of need, only Metformin is recommended by the USFDA to treat the diabetes during such periods.


It is better to consult with a medical professional (doctor, gynecologist, obstetrician, healthcare provider, etc.) if a diabetic woman is planning to get pregnant.

Do any oral medications to treat diabetes interact with other drugs?

All oral medication for diabetes treatment can interact with other drugs. It is better to share all the existing medicines that are being taken with the health professional who is treating for diabetes.

Sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and meglitinides are most likely to interact with other drugs.


Interesting facts about Diabetes:

USA:

  • Around 30% of adults are prediabetic.

  • More than 80% of people with prediabetes don’t know they have it.

  • Around 38 million people have diabetes. It means around 1 in every 10 people has diabetes.

  • Around 20% of people do not know that they have diabetes.

  • In the last 20 years, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has doubled.

  • It is the eighth leading cause of death in the USA.

  • In the diagnosed cases of diabetes, 90% to 95% have type-2 diabetes.

  • It is the No.1 cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations, and adult blindness.

  • Annually around US$413 billion was lost due to medical costs, lost work, and wages.

  • The medical cost of diabetic people is double that of the people who do not have diabetes.

World data:

Note: Data are collected from different sources, so it may be different in the same scenario. 

  • In 2017, 9 million people were suffering from Type-1 diabetes, and a majority of them were from rich countries.

  • In 1921, Diabetes was the direct cause of 1.6 million deaths.

  • However, in one place, it is mentioned that kidney diseases due to diabetes caused death for more than 2 million people in 1921.

  • In other data, it is mentioned that 5,30,000 kidney disease deaths were caused by diabetes in 1921.

  • In 1921, around 47% of deaths due to diabetes occurred before the age of 70.

  • In 1921, 11% of cardiovascular diseases were caused by high blood sugar levels.

  • In 1990, around 200 million people were living with diabetes. This number rose to 830 million in 2022.

  • As per the WHO report, 14% of adults were living with diabetes in 2022. However, in 1990, only 7% of adults were living with diabetes.

  • In 2022, around 59% of diabetic adults (age- more than 30 years) were not taking medications.

  • Diabetes is increasing more rapidly in poor ( low and middle-income groups) countries compared to high-income group countries. In contrast, diabetes treatment is lowest in the poor countries.

  • Since the year 2000, the mortality rate of death due to diabetes has been increasing.

  • In the diagnosed cases of diabetes, more than 95% of patients have type-2 diabetes.

  • The risk of stroke and heart disease in someone with diabetes is much higher than the someone without diabetes.

  • Smoking with diabetes may cause restricted blood flow and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.


Final words:

  • Currently, Type-1 diabetes can not be prevented. It is needed to take insulin for survival.

  •  However, Prediabetes and type-2 diabetes can be  treated and their consequences can be prevented or delayed with  lifestyle changes and following the guidelines mentioned below:

    • Maintain a healthy body weight, and don’t become overweight or obese.

    • Eat healthy food, take the help of a dietitian.

    • Avoid or reduce the intake of added sugar and saturated fats.

    • Maintain an active lifestyle. Do physical activities regularly as needed.

    • Avoid tobacco.

    • Take the medicines as prescribed by an expert.

    • Proper treatment of complications.

    • Timely checkups under the guidance of an authorized medical professional (Endochronlogist, Healthcare provider, Doctor, Specialist, etc.)


Disclaimer:

The best efforts are made to write the blog with the help of the following, and similar websites. However, the author does not have any responsibility (legal or otherwise) for its completeness or correctness.

This blog is typed manually. Therefore, any typographical error is regretted.

Data are compiled from the internet/open source only. Contradictions may be there.

This blog is written for information purposes only

The author is not a medical professional. It does not replace the advice of medical professionals (healthcare providers, Endochronlogist, doctors, or specialists).

Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a registered medical professional before using any information from this blog. The writer is not responsible for any consequences.

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes

https://www.who.int

https://uvahealth.com

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

https://www.mayoclinic.org

https://www.healthline.com

https://www.cdc.gov

https://my.clevelandclinic.org

https://www.nhs.uk

https://docs.google.com

https://dtc.ucsf.edu

https://www.verywellhealth.com

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

https://www.1mg.com

*Treat and defeat the diabetic effects till the last resort.*

**Best wishes always with you.**

***The end***


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