The total cost of undiagnosed diabetes, diagnosed diabetes, and pre-diabetes in the United States was $218 billion in 2007, according to the American Diabetes Association. Of that amount, $116 billion was for direct medical costs. Medication of some form is often necessary for diabetes. But diabetic medications can have various side effects.
Skin Irritation
Some diabetes medications can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. Common side effects of insulin are itching and skin irritation around the injection site, according to the Global Diabetes Community. Oral diabetes medications like meglitinides and thiazolidinediones can cause skin irritation, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Nausea and Dizziness
Some diabetic medications can cause nausea and dizziness. Insulin for instance, can sometimes cause nausea Oral diabetic medication such as biguanides, and sulfonylureas cause nausea. Biguanides and meglitinides can also cause dizziness. Thiazolidinediones help the body better utilize insulin while also lowering blood sugar production in the liver, explains the American Diabetes Association. However, thiazolidinediones also cause nausea. Non-insulin injectable medications such as pramlintide and exenatide may also cause nausea, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Exhaustion
Fatigue or a general feeling of tiredness is also a possible side effect of diabetes medications. Both biguanides and thiazolidinediones cause feelings of exhaustion.
Hypoglycemia
Non-insulin injectable diabetes medications such as incretin memetics lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin secretion by the pancreas. However, they can also cause hypoglycemia, explains the American Diabetes Association. Oral diabetes medications such as meglitinides and sulfonylureas also cause hypoglycemia.
Diarrhea
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors lower blood sugar by preventing starch from being digested. These medications can also cause diarrhea, as well as gassiness and a feeling of bloatedness. Biguanides can also cause loose bowel movements.
Weight Gain
There are also diabetes medications that can cause weight gain as a side effect. Oral diabetes medications such as meglitinides, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones can cause weight gain, explains the American Diabetes Association.
