Diabetes affects nearly 8 percent of the population in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. It was the 7th leading cause of death in 2006. Diabetes treatment consists of oral or injected medications that lower blood sugar. Many of the drugs used to treat diabetes have significant risks of their own and can cause fatal reactions in some cases.
Avandia (Rosiglitazone)
Avandia, an oral diabetic medication used to low blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes, has serious cardiac side effects in some cases. A "New England Journal of Medicine" article published on June 14, 2007 by lead author Steve Nissen, M.D., reported a significantly increased risk of sudden heart attack and a slightly increased risk of other cardiovascular problems in people taking Avandia after analyzing data from a number of studies. A study reported by lead author Lorraine Lipscombe, M.D. in the December 12, 2007 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association" (JAMA) found that older patients taking Avandia had a higher risk of congestive heart failure and heart attack than patients taking other oral drugs to lower blood sugar.
Actos (Pioglitazone Hydrochloride)
Actos, a drug in the same class as Avandia (thiazolidinedione drugs) may increase the chance of congestive heart failure (CHF) in some patients and requires close observation and management, the FDA warns. Signs of CHF include weight gain, shortness of breath and swelling, or edema, of the extremities.
Insulin
Insulin is an injectable medication used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Insulin helps cells utilize glucose, which is their energy source. Type 1 diabetics and some Type 2 diabetics no longer manufacture enough insulin on their own to carry this out. Taking too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), a life threatening reaction if not promptly recognized and adequately treated. Hypoglycemia symptoms include hunger, shakiness or tremors, anxiety, fast heart rate, cold sweats and vision changes, Medline Plus states. Without treatment, hypoglycemia can progress to coma, convulsions or death. Administering glucose, either by mouth or intravenously, treats hypoglycemia.
Metformin (Glucophage)
Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes. In rare instances, Metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a buildup of lactic acid in the blood that is fatal in 50 percent of cases, according to Drugs.com. Lactic acidosis is more common in the elderly and people with kidney disease or congestive heart failure. Alcohol intake increases the effect of Metformin and should be avoided. Initial symptoms can be non specific, but abdominal discomfort, drowsiness and respiratory distress commonly are seen. Such symptoms should be immediately reported to a medical practitioner; lactic acidosis is a medical emergency that needs prompt treatment in the hospital.
References
- New England Journal of Medicine: Effect of Rosiglitazone on the Risk of Myocardial Infarction; Steven E. Nissen, M.D. June 14, 2007
- Journal of the American Medical Association: Thiazolidinediones and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Older Patients With Diabetes; Lorraine Lipscombe M.D; December 12, 2007
- Drugs.com: Metformin
- Medline Plus: Hypoglycemia
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics
