Elevated blood sugar levels characterize diabetes, a condition in which the body cannot produce or becomes insensitive to insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas to normalize blood sugar levels. Extreme thirst or hunger, numbness or tingling and frequent urination are just some of the symptoms that develop when the blood sugar levels are high. Fortunately, certain medications can control blood glucose levels.
Miglitol
Miglotol is a medicine that actually delays carbohydrate breakdown in the body, according to the Drugs website. Carbohydrates, such as breads and pasta, break down in the body to form sugar.
Miglitolol's common effects include diarrhea, a rash, gas (flatulence) and stomach pain. Tell a doctor when miglitolol's effects last for more than five to seven days. Unfortunately, an allergic reaction to miglitolol can lead to difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the tongue, face, throat or lips. Call 911 because this is a potentially life-threatening emergency that requires immediate attention.
Taking miglitol with such drugs as ranitidine, digoxin, propanolol, estrogen, phenytoin, glyburide, glipizide or prednisone can lead to high or low blood sugar levels and drug interactions. Inform a doctor of any of the medications taken prior to taking miglitol. Miglitolol is a tablet taken daily or as a doctor prescribes.
Chlorpropamide
Chlorpropamide is a medication that induces the pancreas to make more insulin, so that the elevated blood sugar levels can be reduced.
According to MedlinePlus, chlorpropamide can lead to low or high blood sugar levels. Signs of a low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) include hunger, pale skin, lightheadedness, sweating, nervousness, irritability, a headache, sweating and weakness. Other signs include tingling or numbness around the mouth, lightheadedness and hunger. Eat a high sugar-containing snack such as a candy bar or drink a drink high in sugar such as orange juice. This should increase the blood sugar levels. Seizures, confusion and unconsciousness can result if low blood sugar is untreated.
Signs of a high blood sugar level include frequent urination, extreme thirst or hunger, blurry vision and weakness. Phone a doctor immediately as dry mouth, shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin and easy bruising or bleeding can result. These symptoms make up a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Chlorpropamide's other serious effects include a fever, sore throat, itching, a sunburn and light-colored stools. Call a doctor when chlorpropamide causes these effects.
Chlorpropamide is a tablet taken daily with breakfast, says MedlinePlus.
Insulin Isophane
Insulin isophane is a synthetic version of insulin that is used to decrease the high blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is the most common effect of this medication. It can lead to hunger, confusion, nausea, weakness, drowsiness, blurry vision, a fast heartbeat, tremors, trouble concentrating, seizures and dizziness. Eat candy or take a glucose tablet to increase the blood sugar levels, says the Drugs website.
An allergic response to insulin causes a fast heart rate, itchy skin, lightheadedness, wheezing, trouble breathing and sweating. Go to the emergency room immediately when insulin causes these effects.
Insulin isophane is given as an injection daily or as prescribed.
