Diabetes is a disorder that affects how your body uses blood glucose. Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the body's source of energy and different therapies are available to assist glucose utilization depending on the type and severity of the diabetes. As of 2010, new drugs have come to the forefront to compliment the age-old standards of insulin and oral agents.
Diet and Exercise
Diet, in conjunction with exercise, is considered the first line of treatment used with type 2 diabetes. Once known as adult-onset diabetes, an individual may have type 2 diabetes for years before symptoms need to be addressed. MayoClinic.com notes that a balanced diet with emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains is stressed as a method of control for type 2 diabetes. Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise with stretching is also part of the daily regimen.
Oral Agents
Oral,or hypoglycemic agents may be necessary for type 2 diabetes if blood sugar cannot be controlled by diet and exercise. The journal "American Family Physician" names five classifications of oral agents available: biguanides, meglitinides, alphaglucosidase inhibitors and thiazolidinediones. It adds that a combination of these drugs may be needed to produce the desired effect. As of 2010, the use of oral agents to maintain normal blood glucose levels has been somewhat unsatisfactory.
Insulin Therapy
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar levels, is primarily used to control type 1 diabetes and in some cases of type 2 diabetes that cannot be controlled by diet or oral agents. Insulin is available in four types classified according to onset, duration and peak time of the drug. The American Diabetes Association states that each drug type is different and a combination of insulins may be necessary to effectively control blood sugar levels.
Exenatide
Exenatide, also known by the brand name Byetta, is a new injectable drug for type 2 diabetes. Synthesized from the saliva of the Gila monster, exenatide lowers blood glucose only if it is high. This avoids any episode of hypoglycemia, or extremely low blood sugar.Side effects can include some weight loss and nausea that improves over time.
Pramlintide
Pramlintide is marketed under the brand name Symlin. The American Diabetes Association describes it is a synthetic of the hormone amylin, which the pancreas produces. Pramlintide helps maintain healthy glucose levels and can be used in type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatments. Side effects include some weight loss and nausea. It can be used with insulin but should not be mixed in the same syringe.
