According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 23.6 million Americans have diabetes. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetics fail to make enough insulin in their pancreas. Insulin is an important hormone that is responsible for fluid movement and the production of hormones.
The majority of the cases diagnosed are type 2 diabetes, which means that even though your body produces enough insulin in your pancreas, your cells are insensitive to it. The result is that the cells can literally starve in the presence of adequate amounts of glucose, which can lead to a number of serious complications like nerve and kidney damage, loss of sight and, in some cases, amputation of a limb. Fortunately, treating diabetes has become relatively routine; however, there are a few side effects to be aware of before you begin your treatment regimen.
Major Types of Oral Medications
Oral medications are commonly used for type 2 diabetes. Since type 2 diabetics typically make enough insulin, their role is to enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin. The most common types are sulfonylureas, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones and meglitinides.
Until recently, sulfonylureas were the only oral medications available to diabetics. Common side effects are low blood sugar reactions, rapid weight gain, itching or skin rash and an upset stomach.
Biguanides
Biguanides work by insuring that your liver does overproduce glucose and is most beneficial when accompanied by weight loss. Biguanides can make existing kidney problems worse, induce vomiting or diarrhea and cause fatigue, and some people report a metallic taste when taking it.
Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors have the fewest side effects of all of the other oral diabetes medications and block the enzymes that digest starches. The most common side effects include gas, bloating and diarrhea that usually subsides after taking it for a week.
Thiazolidinediones
Thiazolidinediones enhance the body's cells to the sensitivity of insulin; however, they have important side effects like affecting liver enzymes. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice, stomach pain and swelling of the legs and ankles.
Meglitinides
Meglitinides are the newest type of medications prescribed to type 2 diabetics. They help your pancreas make more insulin after meals, which in turn lowers your blood sugar. The most common side effects are weight gain and low blood sugar.
Insulin Injections
While the majority of the preceding drugs are used for type 2 diabetics, doctors may also prescribe insulin for injection. The most common side effects of injecting insulin is irritation or redness at the injection site. Diabetics who inject insulin also need to be cognizant of when and how much insulin they need to prevent hypoglycemia. If too much is injected, or if they inject insulin in active muscles, patients may experience cold sweats, shaking, rapid heartbeats, headaches or slurred speech.
