Medication

medication for diabetics

BOSTON (CBS) – Researchers at Mass General Hospital announced a breakthrough in treating Type 1 Diabetes. In a long-term study released Thursday, patients in a clinical trial had their blood sugar levels restored to near normal, with lasting results.

Patients in the trial received two doses of the bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, an inexpensive vaccine that is widely used to prevent tuberculosis. Results were not immediate, but after three years, every patient, “showed an improvement in HbA1c to near normal levels – improvement that persisted for the following five years,” MGH said in a news release.

“This is clinical validation of the potential to stably lower blood sugars to near normal levels with a safe vaccine, even in patients with longstanding disease,” said Dr. Denise Faustman, director of the MGH Immunobiology Laboratory, and the study’s senior author.

“It’s the first trial showing long-term reversal of diabetes,” Faustman told the Boston Business Journal.

A Phase 2 clinical trial is already underway. Researchers are hoping to mimic results from the first trial and zero in on the most effective dosing.

At 2:17 marker, some startling figures on who controls the medical research publications..

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Hemoglobin A1C test. This test measures how much sugar is stuck to your red blood cells, which generally have a lifespan of three months. Therefore, this test gauges how high your blood sugar has been in recent months.

Normal result for nondiabetics:
4% to 6%.
Normal result for diabetics:
7% or lower (some groups suggest aiming for 6.5% or lower)
If a hemoglobin A1C test result is 8% or higher, it’s a sign that blood sugar is not under control. However, making lifestyle changes can reduce your A1C.

metformin-diabetes-medicationI have used metformin for 10+ years as part of my daily regiment to keep my blood sugar low. Its free at Publix grocery store as well since its now a generic drug. Why is metformin the choice of many.  My thoughts are its been battle tested.  As more and more drugs are tested and introduced into the market, many don’t have a long track record or they have side affects.  I have used it for many years and have not experienced any side affects.   I read the whys and hows and thought I would share them.

How should this Metformin be used?

Metformin comes as a liquid, a tablet, and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. The liquid is usually taken with meals one or two times a day. The regular tablet is usually taken with meals two or three times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once daily with the evening meal. To help you remember to take metformin, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metformin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow metformin extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of metformin and gradually increase your dose not more often than once every 1–2 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood sugar carefully so your doctor will be able to tell how well metformin is working. Metformin controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take metformin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking metformin without talking to your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking Metformin? Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar.

What side effects can Metformin cause?

  • bloating
  • stomach pain
  • gas
  • indigestion
  • constipation
  • unpleasant metallic taste in mouth
  • heartburn
  • headache
  • flushing of the skin
  • nail changes
  • muscle pain

I have not had any, but if I did such as nail changes, muscle pain, I might find another medication to use.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency treatment

As usual, this is our opinion. Statements and opinions expressed on this Web site are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the publishers or advertisers. The information provided on this Web site should not be construed as medical instruction. Consult appropriate health-care professionals before taking action based on this information.