Type 2 diabetes refers to a chronic medical condition in which the blood sugar levels are elevated. Symptoms for this condition include frequent urination, extreme hunger or thirst, blurry vision, weight loss, sores on the soles of the feet, and areas of skin darkening, reports the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, medications exist to lower the high blood sugar levels.
Insulin Detemir
Insulin detemir is a medication used to lower blood glucose (sugar levels). Normally, the pancreas is an organ in the body that is supposed to lower glucose levels. In type 2 diabetes, the cells in the body become unresponsive to insulin. Therefore, a synthetic form is used. MedlinePlus says that insulin detemir is a synthetic form of insulin that works to halt the production of sugar in the liver. It also helps the tissues utilize sugar for energy, so that it doesn't stay in the blood.
Insulin detemir's common side effects include redness, itchiness or swelling at the site of injection. Also, this drug may lead to skin changes such as fat build-up. Insulin detemir's serious effects can include dizziness, a fast heartbeat, blurry vision, sweating, shortness of breath, a widespread rash and swelling of the hands, ankles, feet or legs.
Taking too much insulin detemir may lead to episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms of this condition include dizziness, a headache, weakness, shakiness, hunger, pale skin, nervousness, irritability, sweating and tingling or numbness around the mouth. Drink a cup of orange juice or eat candy that is high in sugar to rapidly raise the blood glucose levels. Seizures and loss of consciousness are a few symptoms that can occur if low blood sugar is left untreated.
Sometimes, taking less than adequate amounts of insulin detemir can lead to episodes of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Severe thirst or hunger, blurry vision and weakness are some of its symptoms. A physician will give more insulin to control the sugar levels. Nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness may occur if hyperglycemia is untreated.
Insulin detemir is an injection given once a day or two times a day.
Pioglitazone
Pioglitazone is a medication that belongs to the thiazolidinedione family of medications. MedlinePlus says that pioglitazone actually increases the body's sensitivity to insulin, so that the sugar moves from the blood and into the tissues.
Pioglitazone's common side effects include headache, muscle pain, a sore throat, a runny nose, and tooth or mouth pain. Phone a doctor when these effects continue for more than seven days.This drug's serious effects include nausea, vomiting, vision loss, a poor appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes and fatigue. Call a physician when pioglitazone causes these symptoms to emerge.
Like insulin detemir, pioglitazone can also lead to low and high blood sugar levels.
Pioglitazone is a tablet taken once daily.
Repaglinide
Repaglinide is a medication that actually stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin to lower the blood sugar levels, according to Drugs.com.
Repaglinide's common effects include back pain, joint pain, diarrhea, a cough, nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat. Inform a physician when these effects remain for more than five to seven days. Repaglinide's serious effects include chest pain, a fever, low blood sugar and loss of consciousness. Get help immediately.
Repaglinide is a tablet taken daily, 15 to 30 minutes prior to eating.
