Controlling your blood glucose levels is one of the most important things you can do to help reduce your risk for diabetes and prevent serious complications. The body regulates blood glucose levels by producing and secreting insulin. If the body is unable to make insulin or cannot effectively use insulin, blood glucose levels can remain elevated, causing health problems. Medications such as Januvia can help the body more efficiently use insulin and keep a healthy balance of glucose in the blood.
Insulin Function
Without insulin, your body would be unable to use the energy provided by foods. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the cells of your pancreas. It acts as a key to help unlock your cells and let energy, in the form of glucose, into your cells. Without enough insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar levels. Over time this can lead to diabetes and other serious illnesses.
Januvia Function
Januvia, a brand name of the drug sitagliptin, is a prescriiption medication that helps your body produce and more efficiently use insulin. If insulin is made more available, it can more easily allow glucose to leave the blood and enter cells for energy. Glucose comes from foods and is also made by the liver. Januvia also works to decrease the amount of sugar produced by the liver. This results in lower amounts of glucose in the blood and lower blood sugar levels.
Instructions
For those with diabetes or impaired blood glucose control, Januvia can improve blood glucose levels. Januvia is available in tablet form and is taken once daily by mouth, with or without food. You should take Januvia at the same time each day and take only your prescribed dose; consuming too little or too much Januvia can cause unwanted fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which may be serious and require medical attention. Taking more than your prescribed dose of Januvia can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Risks
Some mild side effects may occur from taking Januvia. These include stuffy nose, headache, diarrhea and sore throat. More serious side effects may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and chronic abdominal pain. The Food and Drug Administration reports that Januvia has been associated with an increased risk for pancreatitis. Discuss all side effects with your health care provider to determine if Januvia is the safest medication for your condition.
