What a Diabetic Needs to Know About Metformin

December 7th, 2011 by Admin No comments »

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Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent under the family of biguanides. It is taken by mouth usually at a frequency of one to three times a day, for the immediate release form. On the other hand, the extended release form is taken once in the evening with meal.

By Robert P. Tracy

The action of this drug is to help regulate blood glucose by preventing glucose production by the liver. It also helps increase the muscles’ and fats’ sensitivity to insulin to increase their uptake of glucose. This way, a controlled amount of glucose can be attained without increasing the insulin produced by the pancreas.

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This drug is known to be the first line of treatment for diabetes mellitus type 2. It is especially beneficial for overweight and obese people because unlike other anti-diabetic drugs, Metformin does not prompt significant weight gain. It can also help lower one’s LDL and triglycerides — both contribute to the development of complications of this disease like cardiovascular problems, which are actually the leading cause of death among people with this condition.

According to studies made involving Metformin and other anti-diabetic drugs, Metformin reduces diabetic complications by up to 30% compared to insulin and sulfonylureas (another type of oral hypoglycemic agent). Also, unlike other drugs used to treat this disease, Metformin does not produce hypoglycemia especially if taken singly to treat affected people.

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However, even with these benefits, Metformin still has the tendency to produce side effects. Although these side effects are relatively rare, they may prove bothersome and may prompt the discontinuation of the therapy. If given some time though, most of the medication’s side effects will eventually go away on their own. Those that do not can easily be treated at home or by a medical provider.

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Most of the accompanying side effects are mild including nausea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, gas, and diarrhea. Often, decreasing the dosage of the drug is enough to get rid of these problems. It is then important to inform your physician about such problems to help you avoid or lessen these side effects.

A more serious side effect of this drug may also occur, however rarely. It is called lactic acidosis, the presence of too much lactic acid in the blood. Blood tests will typically show the presence of lactic acid above 5 mmol/L, which results to the decrease in blood pH, below 7.35. This is a type of metabolic acidosis which requires immediate medical attention.

Lactate is produced when the cells start producing glucose anaerobically. The chemical is directly produced from pyruvate, a substance derived from glucose after being broken down. If the production of lactate surpasses consumption and the buffers become exhausted, accumulation of lactate in the blood occurs.

Most cases of lactic acidosis occur in patients who are already exhibiting significant health problems like multi-organ malfunction. Patients who are at higher risk for lactic acidosis are sufferers with heart, kidney and liver problems. Patients with systemic infection and folks with advanced age are also part of the list. If you have these problems or have a history, it is important to inform your physician in order for him to take necessary precautions for your case.

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Jump Start the Diabetic Diet to Lower Blood Sugar, Skip the Corn Syrup

December 6th, 2011 by Admin No comments »

 I spent much of my career in the food and beverage industry. So it wasn’t surprising that I developed a Plus 6 Soda-a-day habit.

By Robert P. Tracy 

Occasionally, I worried about the calorie intake, but not too much.

Then,  after some problems and tests my doctor told me I was Type 2 diabetic. I realized that my daily soda six-pack was contributing over 1,000 calories of unnecessary weight gain.

But as you know, added pounds weren’t the biggest health threat.

After doing some research, I found increasing evidence that the sweetener used in most sodas like Coke, Pepsi and Dr. Pepper is something called high fructose corn syrup. It’s a sweet, cheap substitute for sugar, but it can drain chromium from your system. Big trouble if you are diabetic.

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For all and espically diabetics, Chromium is a very important trace mineral that helps to regulate blood sugar levels in your body. It is found in nature. Too little chromium in your system and your blood sugar levels start to rise.

The Washington Post confirmed this in a recent story. It talking about the link between high fructose corn sweeteners and the growing numbers of diabetic sufferers.

As a part of the program that my medical support team put me on, (a natural Type 2 diabetes recovery program), I stopped my 6 Coke a-day-corn syrup habit. Not only did it help me to shed pounds, but my blood sugar levels dropped.

In addition, my recovery program included chromium supplements. Your body can’t produce this wonderful, blood sugar regulating mineral. It has to come from your diet.

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But you need to find a chromium supplement that is both safe and effective in replacing depleted chromium levels. My research showed that niacin-bound chromium or something called polynicotinate is the inly one that works safely.

 It’s not complicated, but….”For some of the benefits to be maximized you want to have Chromium in your system before food starts to digest. “Chromium participates in glucose metabolism by enhancing the effects of insulin, the pancreatic hormone that provides cells with glucose for energy and maintains normal blood glucose levels.”

To get your own diabetes recovery program working for you, kick the corn habit and fuel your body with chromium supplements that will help keep your blood sugar levels normal.

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Posted in Cure Diabetes, Diabetes Supplements, Diabetic Diet, Lower Blood Sugar Naturally, Natural Herbal Supplements Defeat Diabetes, weight loss

Metformin, Learn The Basic Information on Benefits and Side Effects

December 5th, 2011 by Admin No comments »

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is a nightmare that will haunt anyone that it sets its eyes on for life.

By Robert P. Tracy

There is no cure for this chronic disease, making the battle against it a lifelong task. Since there is no effective cure for it, knowing what you can do to help yourself is important to prevent the development of complications and secondary diseases. Ignorance is something this world can live happily without, and with today’s way of life, knowing is everything. That is why it is important to arm yourself with the knowledge of this disease, and in this article you’ll know more about the first line of treatment for diabetes which is Metformin.

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Metformin belongs in the biguanide class of oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs). This drug classification is also called anti-hyperglycemic drugs or anti-diabetic drugs, the latter raising the eyebrows of some experts. When diet and exercise prove to be insufficient in controlling this disease, Metforrmin or other OHAs are prescribed. (Metformin was discovered in the flower of a Frnch Lilac flower. Click here to read about it.)

Different classes of OHAs work in various ways to control the blood sugar. But due to Metformin’s inability to cause hypoglycemia (blood sugar below normal level), many doctors tend to go for this drug over the others. As a matter of fact, metformin was found out to be the most prescribed oral hypoglycemic agent last year.

This drug is very favorable for overweight and obese patients because unlike other anti-diabetic drugs including insulin, it does not cause obvious weight gain. It also helps in decreasing the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which helps in preventing complications like heart problems.

Common side effects of this drug involve but are not exclusive to the gastrointestinal system. These include nausea, vomiting, loose bowel movement, bloating, gas, and decreased appetite. The majority of the cases experience gradual decrease of the side effects. Home tips and tricks to prevent these side effects may involve taking the drug with meals. Some people who have been on the medication claim that maintaining a low carbohydrate diet can help prevent some of these side effects. Adjusting your eating habits to coincide with your medication can also help.

A serious side effect of this drug rarely occurs. It is called lactic acidosis, which is caused by the accumulation of lactic acid in the blood stream. This results when glucose production is done anaerobically by the body. In lactic acidosis, the excess pyruvate derived from glucose is directly converted to lactate. These are released from the cells into the bloodstream where they accumulate over time. A value higher than 5 mmol/L and decreased blood pH levels are indications of this phenomenon. Mortality is very high if it is not treated within 24 hours. Signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis include rapid and deep breathing, altered mental status, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The most common and difficult, personal side effect is hiarrhea.  Click here for an interresting article sharring som eof the detailes of this problem.  

Before taking the medicine, it is important to inform your physician about any other drugs you are taking to prevent fatal drug interactions. Relay also information about past or present health conditions such as heart attacks, congestive heart failures, heart ischemia or infarction, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, hepatitis, kidney problems, systemic infection, and other health problems that are related to decreased oxygenation of the cells.

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