New Diabetes Medication Byetta Helps to Lose Weight
Byetta is a hard working new medication developed by the pharmaceutical company Lilly. It comes in a prefilled syringe that delivers a premeasured dose of a protein that can improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 Diabetes.
Byetta belongs in a new class of drugs for people with diabetes. These drugs have a similar affect on blood sugars, much like a very important hormone called glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1). Gastrointestinal hormones that are released after eating and stimulate insulin secretion are called incretins. GLP-1 is one of the major incretins, and a major player when it comes to blood sugar control.
GLP-1 lowers blood glucoses by increasing insulin secretion by the beta cells and reduces the secretion of the hormone glucagon. People with diabetes have abnormally high levels of glucagons secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas. Glucagon is a hormone that increases the glucose that is produced by the liver contributing to high blood sugars both in the fasting state and after meals. At any given time blood sugars are the result of the food we eat and glucose produced by the liver.
Byetta also may have an affect on appetite, helping people to lose weight. Patients taking Byetta feel less hungry during the day and find themselves often snacking less and eating less at meals. The majority of patients on Byetta experience a weight loss and better blood sugar control. Some patients may be able to lower their medications or delay taking insulin.
The most common side effects of Byetta are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, feeling jittery, and an acid stomach. When first starting Byetta patients usually experience some nausea that goes away in time.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can also occur from improved blood sugars. Medications may need to be adjusted to prevent low blood sugars. Frequent blood sugar monitoring can help prevent lows. You should discuss this medication with your physician. Byetta, oral medications, diet, and exercise can be a winning combination in your efforts to lose weight and improve your blood sugar control. Together with help from your doctor and diabetes dietitian, Byetta can help you lose weight and get your diabetes in better control.
Monica Joyce,MS,RD,CDE
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