Insulin is not the sole category of injectable diabetes medication that your physician may prescribe. Additional pharmaceuticals comprise:
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
This is an additional GLP-1 medication. It is administered solely once each week. It facilitates the secretion of more insulin and the transport of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.
Eligibility: Adults with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved success with alternative diabetic therapies. It is advisable to maintain diet and exercise, either alone or in conjunction with metformin, pioglitazone, or a sulfonylurea medication. If you want to conceive, inform your physician, as this medication has not been evaluated in pregnant women.
Dulaglutide, similar to other GLP-1 medications, stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin, facilitating the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. It also restricts the production of the hormone glucagon, which typically stimulates the liver to release stored glucose. The medication also inhibits digestion.
Adverse effects: The most prevalent include nausea, emesis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and diminished appetite. All GLP-1 medications, including dulaglutide, carry a boxed warning indicating that animal studies have associated this class of pharmaceuticals with thyroid cancer in certain rats and mice. Experts are uncertain if it has the same impact on humans.
- Exenatide (Bydureon BCise, Byetta)
Exenatide was the inaugural GLP-1 medication sanctioned by the FDA. Byetta was the initial product. Administer it as an injection twice daily. Bydureon B Cise is the novel, extended-release formulation administered via injection once weekly. It is not permissible to administer both medications together.
Eligibility: Adults with type 2 diabetes who have not responded to alternative treatments. If you suspect you may conceive, consult your physician. This medicine has not been researched in pregnant women by researchers.
Function: Similar to other GLP-1 medications, exenatide instructs the pancreas to secrete insulin, facilitating the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. It also restricts the production of glucagon in your body. This hormone stimulates the liver to release glycogen reserves. The medication also inhibits digestion.
Adverse effects: The most prevalent include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, dizziness, headache, gastric acidity, constipation, and fatigue. These typically resolve after the initial month of medication. Pancreatitis, characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, may present as a severe adverse effect.
The FDA has received reports of renal failure in individuals administering this medication. All GLP-1 medications, encompassing both variants of exenatide, carry a boxed warning indicating that animal studies have associated this class of pharmaceuticals with thyroid cancer in certain rats and mice. Experts are uncertain if it produces the same effect in humans. There is a possibility of experiencing hypoglycemia or an adverse reaction to the medication.
- Liraglutide (Victoza)
This is an additional GLP-1 medication. Administer it once daily. It facilitates increased insulin secretion by your body. This facilitates the transport of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.
Eligibility: Adults with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved outcomes with alternative treatments. It is administered in conjunction with metformin or a sulfonylurea medication. Consult your physician if you intend to conceive. Liraglutide has not been investigated in pregnant women.
Liraglutide, similar to other GLP-1 medications, stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin. This transports glucose from your bloodstream into your cells. It also restricts the production of the hormone glucagon in your body. This chemical stimulates the liver to release glycogen. The medication also inhibits digestion.
Adverse effects: The most prevalent include nausea, diarrhea, and cephalalgia. Pancreatitis, characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, can be severe and is an additional side effect.
All GLP-1 medications, including liraglutide, carry a boxed warning indicating that animal studies have associated this class of pharmaceuticals with thyroid cancer in certain rats and mice. Experts are uncertain if it produces the same effect in humans.
An allergic reaction to liraglutide or hypoglycemia may occur during its administration. Dehydration resulting from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may result in renal failure.
- Pramlintide (Symlin)
It is a synthetic analogue of the hormone amylin, produced by the pancreas concurrently with insulin in response to elevated blood glucose levels.
Eligibility: It is sanctioned for individuals with type 1 diabetes who are administering mealtime insulin. It is also approved for those with type 2 diabetes who are administering mealtime insulin. If you believe you may be pregnant, inform your physician, as this medication has not been investigated in pregnant women.
Pramlintide is administered alongside insulin prior to a meal. The two medications collaborate to reduce blood glucose levels. Pramlintide facilitates a more gradual digestion of meals. This reduces the amount of sugar in your bloodstream. Besides regulating your A1C levels, pramlintide diminishes your appetite, resulting in reduced food intake.
Nausea is the predominant side effect. Initiating this medication at a low dosage and gradually escalating it may alleviate nausea. Additional adverse effects encompass diminished appetite, emesis, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, vertigo, or dyspepsia. The medication may induce hypoglycemia if the insulin dosage is not modified accordingly.
- Semaglutide (Ozempic)
This is a long-acting GLP-1 medication administered weekly. It facilitates the secretion of more insulin and the transport of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.
Eligibility: Adults with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved satisfactory results with alternative diabetic therapies, as well as those at elevated risk for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. This medicine has not been investigated in pregnant women or those under 18 years of age.
Semaglutide instructs the pancreas to secrete insulin, facilitating the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. It also restricts the production of the hormone glucagon, which typically stimulates the liver to release stored glucose. Semaglutide has been effective in treating obesity when combined with exercise, due to its capacity to diminish appetite, food cravings, and body fat.
Adverse effects: The most prevalent include mild to moderate nausea, decreased appetite, and ocular complications.
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
This is a novel medication that stimulates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, resulting in enhanced blood glucose regulation. Mounjaro is delivered via subcutaneous injection on a weekly basis, with the dosage modified as tolerated to achieve blood glucose targets.
Eligibility: Adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This medicine has not been investigated in pregnant women or those under the age of 18.
It affects both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, enhancing insulin production solely during elevations in blood sugar levels. It also impedes the rate at which your stomach evacuates food into your intestine. This aids in regulating your blood glucose levels post-consumption while also prolonging satiety.
Adverse effects: The most prevalent include nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, and constipation.