For many diabetics, part of their routine involves taking medications to help control the disease. But, as with many other medicines, there are potential side effects. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these conditions since some can have a profound effect on your health.
There are approximately 6 medications currently on the market for treating diabetes. The main thing to remember with diabetes medications is that some are not meant to be taken with certain other medicines.
For instance, Bigunanide, the most common example of which is Metformin, is not recommended for those who have a history of congestive heart disease, kidney disease or liver disease. Plus, this medicine can also cause lactic acidosis. This is a particularly serious condition where oxygen levels in the blood fall dangerously low, causing even more complications. Thiazolidinedione is another diabetes medication that shouldn't be prescribed for those taking medicine for liver disease.
Several diabetic medicines are known for possibly lowering blood sugar levels. Phenylalanine Derivative, Sulfonylurea and Meglitinide all possess this ability, which can further complicate matters, instead of making them better.
At least one of the medications, Sulfonylurea, has the unpleasant side effect of causing weight gain. This is something that diabetics already have to contend with due to their glucose irregularity. For diabetics who are considered obese, this may not be the right choice.
Taking common choice, Thiazolidinedione, can evolve into liver toxicity. This means that individuals taking this medicine will have to submit to regular blood lab tests so that they can be monitored for liver damage.
Although medications are meant to ease the suffering from a disease, they sometimes cause other complications. Your doctor is the best one to give you the rundown on what your best options are. When possible, the best scenario is to try to maintain your diabetes the natural way, without outside help from medicine.
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