Diabetes pills

Diabetes mellitus is divided into two types - the first and the second, that is, diabetes that does not require insulin administration, and insulin-dependent. Therefore, diabetes pills can be different, depending on the type of disease. There are quite a lot of such drugs. For convenience, they can be divided into the following categories:

• medications that stimulate insulin production;
• medications that increase tissue sensitivity to the action of insulin;
• means for regulating the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines and their removal from the body;
• combination drugs.

Let's try to understand the most common medical prescriptions for the treatment of diabetes.

Indications for the use of antidiabetic tablets

In world practice, the main indicator of the forced prescription of diabetes pills is the amount of glycohemoglobin, a specific protein that reflects the average level of glucose in the blood over a long period (up to 3 months). However, in our country, such an analysis is done extremely rarely. Most often, the doctor determines the need for drug therapy based on the results of a glucotest, which assesses the level of sugar in the blood on an empty stomach and 2 hours after eating.

In most cases, tablets are prescribed after the first unfavorable results of the glucose test. As the disease progresses, therapy can be enhanced with additional drugs. For this, the doctor regularly conducts repeated tests, which allows tracking the need for increasing the dose or using auxiliary drugs. If the blood glucose level remains unchanged, the treatment regimen remains the same.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Each drug that can be used to treat diabetes has its own unique pharmacological properties.

The main effects of hypoglycemic drugs are considered to be the following:

• lowering blood glucose levels;
• stimulation of insulin production by beta cells;
• increased sensitivity of peripheral tissues;
• limiting the absorption and storage of glucose and its removal from the bloodstream.

Pharmacokinetic properties may vary depending on the duration of action of a particular drug. Systemic absorption is approximately 95%. Half-life can last from 10 to 24 hours.

Names of pills for diabetes

If the prescription of tablets cannot be avoided, the doctor will most likely offer the patient sugar-lowering drugs. Their effect can be different - reducing the absorption of glucose by the body or increasing the sensitivity of tissues to insulin. It is advisable to use medications in cases where the body is unable to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood.

Tablets for type 1 diabetes may be prescribed additionally, in addition to the main treatment with insulin. Insulin preparations may vary in duration of action, form of release, level of purification and origin (animal and human insulin).

Tablets for diabetes type 2 are the drugs listed below, the main purpose of which is to compensate for elevated blood glucose levels and slow the progression of the disease. Medicines are prescribed when treatment methods such as diet and exercise therapy are ineffective, as well as when blood sugar levels are elevated for 3 or more months in a row.

• Metformin is a well-known antidiabetic drug, a biguanide derivative. The tablets are able to lower sugar levels both on an empty stomach and after meals. Metformin does not affect insulin production, so it does not provoke the development of hypoglycemic coma.
• Siofor is a drug similar to the previous one, in which the active ingredient is metformin.
• Galvus is a tablet drug-inhibitor of DPP-4. The active substance of the drug is Vildagliptin. Galvus is a stimulator of the islet apparatus of the pancreas. After its administration, the secretion of glucagon-like peptide and sugar-dependent polypeptide from the digestive system to the circulatory system increases. At the same time, the sensitivity of beta cells of the pancreas increases: this promotes the activation of sugar-dependent insulin production.
• Dialect (correctly – Dialek) is a biological supplement, the active ingredient of which is Gymnema sylvestre – an acidic substance that regenerates damaged cells of the pancreas.
• Glucophage is a complete analogue of the drug Metformin discussed above.
• Forsiga (Dapagliflozin, or Forsena) is a drug for stimulating the excretion of glucose by the kidneys. Thanks to the drug, the sugar content in the blood is reduced, both on an empty stomach and after meals. In addition, the level of glycated hemoglobin is reduced.
• Amaryl is a drug based on glimepiride, a well-known hypoglycemic agent from the third-generation sulfonylurea group. Amaryl has a complex effect: it improves the production and release of insulin, and also increases the susceptibility of muscle and fat tissue.
• Maninil is a sulfonamide drug that acts due to its glibenclamide. The main property of Maninil tablets is to increase insulin secretion by the pancreas.
• Diabeton is an antidiabetic drug based on gliclazide, a second-generation sulfonylurea. It has a combined effect, similar to Amaryl.
• Janumet (incorrectly – Janulite) is a complex drug based on the combined action of metformin and sitagliptin. Janumet has a pronounced complementary hypoglycemic effect: it increases insulin synthesis and inhibits glucose production in the liver.
• Glibomet is an antidiabetic tablet that combines the action of metformin and glibenclamide. In addition to the sugar-lowering effect, Glibomet reduces the concentration of fats in the bloodstream, accelerates muscle energy expenditure, blocks the production of glucose and the absorption of carbohydrates by the digestive system.
• Chinese Diabetes Pills:
  • Sanjiu Tantai is a herbal preparation that restores and stimulates the function of the damaged pancreas;
  • Cordyceps is a medicinal product based on mycelium, which regenerates pancreatic tissue and has a general strengthening effect;
  • Fitness 999 is a drug that is recommended for diabetes mellitus associated with obesity.

Homeopathic diabetes pills have become very popular in recent years. They do not cause drug addiction, have no side effects, are easily tolerated by patients and can be combined with other medications without any problems.

• Coenzyme compositum – restores endocrine status, effective for “diabetic foot”.
• Hepar compositum – restores lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, improves liver function.
• Mucosa compositum – eliminates signs of inflammation in the pancreas, soothes pancreatopathy.
• Momordica compositum – stabilizes insulin production, restores pancreatic tissue.

Treatment with the listed drugs is recommended to be repeated 1-2 times a year.

In addition to sugar-lowering tablets, drugs for weight loss (if obesity is present) may be prescribed. These are drugs such as Orlistat or Sibutramine. To improve metabolic processes, taking complex mineral and vitamin preparations is recommended.

What pills are allowed for hypertension in diabetes?

It is sometimes difficult to choose medications for patients with diabetes: impaired metabolic processes and the inability to take medications with sweeteners limit the choice of medications. Pills for hypertension in diabetes must meet the following requirements:

• effectively stabilize blood pressure;
• have a minimum number of side effects;
• do not affect blood glucose levels;
• do not affect cholesterol levels;
• do not overload the cardiovascular system.

In small doses, thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide) can be taken for hypertension. These drugs do not affect glucose levels and are neutral to cholesterol. Potassium-sparing and osmotic diuretics such as spironolactone and mannitol are prohibited for diabetics.

The use of cardioselective beta-blockers such as Nebivolol, Nebilet is also permitted.

Often, patients with diabetes and high blood pressure are prescribed ACE inhibitors. These drugs themselves are capable of increasing tissue sensitivity to insulin and can serve as a preventative measure for type 2 diabetes.

Which pills should you choose for urinary incontinence in diabetes?

Tablets that are prescribed for urinary incontinence are nootropic drugs, adaptogens and antidepressants. Such drugs are prescribed only by a medical specialist. Taking them on your own without a doctor's prescription is contraindicated.

Most often, for diabetes and urinary incontinence, the drug Minirin is prescribed - this is a tablet drug based on desmopressin. Minirin reduces the frequency of urge to urinate and is successfully used in adult patients and children from 5 years old.

Can you take smoking cessation pills if you have diabetes?

Tablets that help get rid of nicotine addiction exist both on a plant and synthetic basis. The most common drugs include Tabex, Lobelin, Cytisine, Gamibazine and other means that limit a person's need for nicotine.

Whether or not to take smoking cessation pills simultaneously with diabetes treatment should be decided by a doctor. To date, there is insufficient experience in the use of such drugs in diabetics, so most specialists recommend refraining from taking them.

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Method of administration and dosage of tablets for diabetes

The dosage of the drugs is calculated by the endocrinologist, drawing up an individual treatment plan. Such a plan depends on:

• from the level of glucose and glycated hemoglobin in the blood;
• from the presence of other diseases in the body;
• from the patient's age;
• from the performance of the patient's kidneys and liver.

If a patient accidentally misses a dose of the drug, it should not be taken together with the next dose, but treatment should be continued as usual.

If standard treatment with tablets does not bring the expected effect, then it is advisable to switch to insulin therapy.

Using Diabetes Pills During Pregnancy

Most diabetes pills are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, due to the lack of information about the effect of such drugs on the course of the gestation process and directly on the child. In case of insulin-dependent disease, it is recommended to take insulin - the only drug that is really allowed during pregnancy.

Contraindications for use

Diabetes pills are not prescribed:

• if you are prone to allergies to any of the components of the selected medication;
• in critical diabetic conditions (ketoacidosis, precoma or coma);
• in case of severe liver and/or kidney dysfunction;
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• in childhood.

Elderly patients, people suffering from alcoholism, as well as patients with other endocrine disorders, are prescribed diabetes pills with great caution and only under the supervision of a physician.

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Side effects

Side effects from taking diabetes pills may include:

• dyspeptic disorders (nausea and vomiting);
• hyperhidrosis, "stickiness" of the skin;
• cholestasis, jaundice;
• agranulocytosis;
• hyponatremia;
• anemic syndrome;
• rashes and other allergic reactions.

With irregular food intake or fasting, hypoglycemia may develop, which is accompanied by headache, severe hunger, dyspepsia, irritability, confusion, development of a comatose state, and even death of the patient.

Symptoms of overdose

Overdose usually results in hypoglycemia.

If the symptoms of hypoglycemia are moderate, then the consumption of carbohydrate foods is increased and the subsequent dose of tablets is reduced. The patient is placed under constant medical supervision until the condition is completely stabilized.

In case of persistent hypoglycemia with impaired consciousness or neurological symptoms, the patient is given a glucose solution intravenously. Resuscitation measures are carried out for at least two days.

Dialysis is not very effective in cases of overdose.

Interactions with other drugs

It is not recommended to combine diabetes tablets:

• with miconazole and phenylbutazole (increases the risk of developing hypoglycemic coma);
• with ethyl alcohol;
• with high doses of neuroleptics and anticoagulants.

To avoid drug interactions, any medications taken should be discussed with your doctor.

Storage conditions and shelf life

The only condition for proper storage of diabetes pills is that they should be kept out of reach of children. Storage temperature is room temperature.

The expiration date is determined for each specific drug individually and is most often 3 years.

It is impossible to give a clear answer to the question of what the most effective diabetes pills are. Everything depends on the degree of the disease, nutrition, lifestyle, etc. One thing can be said with confidence: universal diabetes pills do not exist. Treatment is always selected individually, based on the results of tests and studies. And if such therapy is supplemented with diet and a healthy lifestyle, then you can significantly improve the condition and even achieve a stable decrease in glucose levels to normal levels.

Cough Tablets for Diabetes: Which Ones Are Safe?

Standard pharmacy cough medicines in the form of syrups and mixtures are contraindicated for diabetics, as they contain sugar and alcohol additives. Sugar and some other sweeteners cause an increase in blood glucose levels, and alcohol worsens the already impaired functioning of the pancreas. Therefore, when choosing drugs, you should pay more attention to tablets, and carefully study the composition.

As a rule, lozenges, as well as hard candies, mostly contain sugar, so they are also not suitable for patients with diabetes.

The solution is oral medications and herbal remedies. Suitable options are expectorant medications (Lazolvan, Ambroxol). However, taking these and any other tablets for diabetes should be approved by the attending physician.