(special REPORT
Take Your
Medicine
by SUSAN SLOANE, R.Ph., CDE
To understand why you need to take so many pills, it
helps to realize that diabetes is a complex disease that
involves many metabolic abnormalities. Treatment for type
2 diabetes has come a long way in the past 10 years, but with so many oral
medications on the market, it’s a challenge to keep track of what you’re taking
and why. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body is still capable of producing
some insulin, but you may need oral medications to enhance your insulin
production or function, whether or not you’re also taking insulin. What are
these medications, how do they work, and what are the potential side effects?
While we’re focusing on the medications you take to control your blood glucose,
you also may need medication for high blood pressure, cholesterol, or related
conditions, and need to understand how they can work together. Read on for the
latest on diabetes medications that are available today.
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