Medications Help in Management of Diabetes
Living a healthy life is the best way to control diabetes. Having good habits, such as enjoying nutritious meals, every day exercise, no cigarettes or too much alcohol, can avert the onset of diabetes linked complications. This does not mean that medication for diabetes is not necessary.
For a lot of people diagnosed with diabetes, good habits are not enough. Diabetics need medications numbering from zero to six, even more perhaps, to assist them to control the illness as well as other related problems
The control of blood glucose needs special attention, with medications normally needed for such control. Ensuring good cardiovascular health with control over cholesterol and blood pressure can be done with medication too.
see Is Tight Blood Sugar Control Suitable For You?
see Diabetes Control – Does Tight Make Right?
Medications for Control of Blood Glucose
Some classes of antidiabetic medications can be used to assist in the control of blood sugar. Such medications are :
- Sulfonylureas
- Meglitinides
- Biguanides
- Insulin
- Thiazolidinediones
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
These medications are sold under a number of brands. Diabetics may have to use at least one of such medications, for some with insulin, to manage their levels of blood glucose.
see Hypoglycemia vs Hyperglycemia.
see Management of Hypoglycemia.
Diabetes Basics – Medications – Video Guide
Medications for Blood Pressure Control
One way diabetics can look after their health is to lower their blood pressure. Many types of medications can assist in the management of blood pressure. The types of such medications are
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Angiotensin receptor blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
Similar to blood glucose control medications, blood pressure medications are also found with many brand names. A patient needs at least one of these medications to target a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or less. This is advisable for all diabetics.
Can Daily Use of Aspirin Help?
Aspirin certainly can help prevent cardiovascular problems like stroke or heart attack. Aspirin have no effect on blood glucose control in diabetics; taken daily, it only provides cardiovascular protection.
Medications for the Control of Cholesterol
Cardiovascular problems like stroke and heart attack can be avoided with control of cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as an aspirin a day. The medicine, Statin, may be suggested by your medical practitioner for lowering your cholesterol. There are also many brand names for statin.
Can Diabetes Medications Be Used With Other Medications?
Many diabetics do suffer from other illnesses which have to be treated with prescription medications. There is a possibility they are using non-prescription medicines for their health problems. It is alright to use other medications while using diabetic medications but insulin doses need to be changed accordingly.
It is necessary for diabetics to let their medical practitioner know about all prescribed as well as over-the-counter (OTC) medications used by them. This can help the diabetes care providers to decide whether there is a need to adjust any medications before beginning a program with diabetes medications.
It is also necessary to inform health care providers about any changes made to the medications used, like adding or deleting any of the medications or changing the dosage. Before use of any herbs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, or other supplements, diabetics ought to consult their medical practitioners.
Where to Go to Find Help
Searching for the right information concerning diabetes medications is difficult. Fortunately, assistance can be provided by professional organizations like the AHA (American Heart Association) and the ADA (American Diabetes Association). They have lots of educational materials for patients available on the internet as well as in print. Another excellent source of information for patients is the NDIC (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse).
Groups in support of diabetics can be contacted through many hospitals and endocrinology practices. They offer chances of getting many types of educational material as well as discussions. Diabetics, to know more about medication for diabetes, should find out about such resources from local health care providers.