How Can Medications Help Manage Diabetes?
A healthy lifestyle is the most important tool for fighting diabetes. Adopting healthy habits -- a nutritious diet, regular exercise and no smoking or excessive alcohol use -- will help prevent diabetes-related complications.But for many who have been diagnosed with diabetes, healthy habits can’t do it all. Medications are also required to help manage the disease and its associated effects. Diabetics require anywhere from zero to six or more medications.
Management of blood sugar is of particular concern, and medications are usually required to achieve control. Maintaining good cardiovascular health, particularly controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, may also require medication.
Medications for Blood Sugar Control
Several classes of so-called antidiabetic medications are available to help control blood sugar. These include insulin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, biguanides, thiazolidinediones and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Many different brand-name medications exist for each class of medication. People with diabetes may have to take one or more of these medications, with or without insulin, to control blood sugar levels.Medications for Blood Pressure Control
Lowering blood pressure is one of the important steps that people with diabetes can take to protect their health. Several kinds of medications are available to help control blood pressure. The categories of blood pressure medicines include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics and calcium channel blockers.As with medications that control blood sugar levels, many brand-name medications are available in each class of blood pressure medication. It may be necessary to take one or more of these medications to help reach a targeted blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or lower, as is recommended for all people with diabetes.
Is a Daily Aspirin Helpful?
Aspirin can be helpful to prevent cardiovascular events such as a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin does not directly impact blood sugar control in people with diabetes, but health care providers may recommend a daily aspirin to help protect against cardiovascular problems.Medications for Cholesterol Control
Good cholesterol control, along with blood pressure control and a daily aspirin, can also help to protect against cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke. Health care providers may recommend a medication called a statin, for which there are many brand-name options, or other medications to help lower cholesterol.Will Diabetes Medications Work With Other Medications?
Many people with diabetes have other diseases that may require prescription medications. They may also use over-the-counter remedies for pain, congestion or other problems. It is possible to take other medications with diabetic medications, but doses may need to be adjusted.It is important for a person with diabetes to inform their health care providers of all prescription and over-the-counter medications he or she is taking. This will allow the diabetes care team to determine whether any other medications must be adjusted before starting a regimen of diabetes medications.
In addition, it is important to tell all health care providers when any adjustments have been made to a medication regimen, such as adding or deleting a medication or adjusting the time or strength of a dose. People with diabetes should also always check with their doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications, herbs or other supplements.
Where to Go to Find Help
Sorting out the complicated information about diabetes medications is not easy, but help is available. Professional organizations, such as the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, provide a wealth of patient educational materials on the Internet and in print. In addition, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse is an excellent resource for patient information.Many hospitals and endocrinology practices have diabetes support groups with various educational and discussion opportunities. People with diabetes should ask their local health care provider or diabetes care team for information on resources and options in the community.
Sources:
McCulloch, David K. "Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Initial Treatment." UpToDate.com 2007. UpToDate. 9 Sept. 2007 (subscription)
McCulloch, David K. "Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Persistent Hyperglycemic and Long-Term Therapy." UpToDate.com. 2007. UpToDate. 9 Sept. 2007 (subscription)
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