Acarbose
ACARBOSE
Overview:
Acarbose is a diabetes medicine that controls the sudden rise of your blood sugar level after eating. It does that by reducing the rate at which your body can break down carbs into sugar. You normally take it with your first mouthful of a meal, and it does its best job when it is used hand-in-hand with other good habits e.g. eating well, being active, and sometimes other diabetes drugs to help keep your blood sugar on an even keel after meals.
Classification: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
Uses:
Acarbose is used to help people with type 2 diabetes keep their blood sugar levels steady, especially after meals. This medicine is one piece of a full diabetes care routine, which often includes eating well, staying physically active, and using other medications if required.
How it works:
Acarbose works in your stomach to slow down how quickly your body turns food — especially carbs — into sugar. So instead of your blood sugar jumping up quickly after you eat, it rises more gently. It acts like a filter, letting sugar from your meals into your blood at a slower, smoother pace.
Dosage: As prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects:
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Diarrhoea
Dizziness
Headache
Precautions:
Begin to take Acarbose immediately after you begin eating- this keeps your blood sugar level after eating. First-time gas or bloating is expected and tends to improve. In case you develop low blood sugar levels, take glucose tablets (not ordinary sugar) as this medication reduces the rate at which sugar is absorbed into the body. Inform your doctor about any problems with the liver, kidneys, or stomach. And when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult the doctor before using it.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Metformin
METFORMIN
Overview:
Metformin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Classification:
Anti-diabetic medication
Uses:
Managing blood sugar levels with medications like metformin can prevent complications such as kidney damage, nerve issues, blindness, amputations, and sexual dysfunction. Effective diabetes control can also lower the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
HOW IT WORKS:
It works by lowering glucose production in the liver, delaying the absorption of sugar (glucose) from the intestines, and increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Dosage:
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects:
unusual muscle pain
feeling cold
trouble breathing
feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or very weak
stomach pain, vomiting
slow or irregular heart rate
Common metformin side effects may include:
low blood sugar
nausea, upset stomach
diarrhea.
Precautions:
You should not use metformin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
severe kidney disease; or
metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment)
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease (your kidney function may need to be checked before you take this medicine);
high ketone levels in your blood or urine;
heart disease, congestive heart failure;
liver disease; or
if you also use insulin, or other oral diabetes medications
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
