Expert Advice On Diabetes Medications

If you have diabetes, you know how important taking your diabetic medication is to your health. But are you taking your diabetes medication correctly?

Author of "Diabetes Without Drugs" and pharmacist Suzy Cohen talks about the appropriate way to take diabetes medications.

Cohen provides an easy guide to decipher the top diabetes medications on Lifescript.com, your online women's health information resource. For this preview of the full article, we'll discuse one group of medicine.

Biguanides are for patients with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Biguanides are sourced from French lilac extract, which contains isoamylene guanidine. Metformin is often the most popular drug for diabetics, ever since it was put on the market in 1994.

This medication results in insulin sensitivity, drawing glucose to your muscles. They also aid the liver and prevent it from expelling too much sugar, which makes it a great choice for those battling weight issues. This medicine comes in liquid form: Metformin and Pioglitazone (ActoPlus Met), Metformin and Rosiglitazone (Avandamet) and Riomet, or it also comes in tablet form (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR).

These medicines are best when taken with food. Do not double up doses if you forget to take one. These drugs could rob your body of Coenzyme Q10, folic acid, vitamin B12 and probiotics. This could cause depression, memory loss, confusion, muscle cramps, liver damage, fatigue, mouth sores, yeast infections, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Possible side effects of biagunides include hypoglycemia, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, headache and a metallic taste in the mouth. Lactic acidosis (buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream) is another rare but extremely dangerous complication that can occur. Lactic acidosis is connected to a high mortality rate, especially in those individuals over the age of 80 or who have other concerning health issues.

The buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream can cause shortness of breath (fast, shallow breathing), muscle aches, weakness, cramps, fatigue, sleepiness and feeling cold. Stop taking this drug if symptoms like these occur and call your doctor right away, as it may be necessary to go to the hospital.

For more type 2 and type 1 diabetes articles, visit Lifescript.com.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).