At present, the drugs used to treat diabetes are mainly divided into five categories: insulin, sulfonylurea, biguanide, glitazone, and glucosidase inhibitor.
Each type of drug has its indications and contraindications, and has certain side effects. Patients also need to consider which type of drug to choose according to their specific situation.
Hypoglycemic drugs
Insulin
Suitable for most diabetic patients, especially type 1 diabetic patients and gestational diabetes patients, among which type 1 diabetic patients must rely on insulin to maintain their health.
Insulin is a type of hormone inherent in the human body. Diabetic patients mainly lack insulin in their bodies. Pregnant women using insulin generally do not affect the fetus.
Sulfonylurea
Mainly maintain blood sugar balance by stimulating insulin secretion. It is suitable for patients with not too high blood sugar, not long course of disease, and relatively old age. It is basically ineffective for patients with type 1 diabetes. It has the side effect of increasing weight, which may induce hypertension and heart disease.
If taken improperly, it is also easy to cause hypoglycemia. Elderly patients over 70 years old should use it with caution. It is not suitable for lactating women and pregnant women. Patients before and after major surgery have poor islet function and the drug effect is not obvious.
Biguanides
Suitable for patients in the early stage and those whose blood sugar is not particularly high. It can also be used by obese patients. It is easy to cause adverse gastrointestinal reactions, such as poor appetite and diarrhea.
Not suitable for patients in the growth and development period and those with liver and kidney dysfunction.
Glitazones
This type of drug can increase insulin sensitivity, reduce insulin resistance, and thus relieve diabetes symptoms. It can be used for patients with normal insulin secretion. However, patients with high blood sugar and those with severe liver disease and decreased heart function should use it with caution.
Glucosidase inhibitors
It can inhibit the absorption of insulin in the intestine. It is suitable for patients with poor diet control. The main side effects are flatulence, diarrhea, and excessive flatulence. People with poor gastrointestinal function should try not to take it.
Diabetic patients should pay attention to changes in blood sugar and control the dosage of drugs. Once symptoms of hypoglycemia occur, such as headache, hunger, trembling, rapid heartbeat, weakness, dizziness, etc., they should eat sugary foods immediately. If there is no improvement or there is confusion or coma, go to the hospital immediately.
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