Medication Madness
Diabetes Support Group Meeting Highlights
May 18, 2010
Medication Madness was the topic for the Diabetes Support Group at their monthly meeting on May 18. Between the newer medications for diabetes that your friends may be taking or the advertisement on TV, more people are presenting at the clinic asking if they can try something else for their diabetes. There have been several new medications released in the last 5 years and even a couple within the past year which is exciting that there are more options out there than previously.
There still is no standard for one pill that everyone can take. It still requires trial and error to some extent to see what medication is going to work for the individual. Some people develop side effects to the medication and therefore have to take an alternative. For people with type 1 diabetes, the only treatment for them is insulin injections.
For those with type 2, there are more options. The gold standard of treatment remains dietary changes and increased physical activity. If that doesn't get your blood sugars to goal, medication will be used. Sometimes you may be required to take more than one medication. We know that type 2 diabetes is generally a progressive disease which means that over time, your body will stop producing insulin and injections will be required.
Our commitment at Prairie Clinic is to keep you in good health and we encourage use of medication if diet and exercise alone cannot get your blood sugars to goal. The complications of diabetes can be prevented or delayed by keeping your blood sugars in control. If you have further questions regarding your medication, feel free to discuss with your provider or diabetes educator.
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