Adult-onset diabetes is the very known name for Type 2 diabetes, but with the epidemic of obese and overweight kids having a BMI greater than 25. Nowadays teenagers are also developing type 2 diabetes. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes is the second most popular name for Type-2 diabetes. The body of people having type 2 diabetes has a peculiar resistance for insulin. Insulin basically is a type of hormone which forces sugar to rush from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. Insulin resistance is the main cause of sugar levels in the bloodstream of a person to escalate. Furthermore, Ozempic drugs are also used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes.
Injectables options used for Diabetes 2:
Injectable medications
Several alternative medications besides insulin, are available in the form of an injection for managing type 2 diabetes.
Glucagon peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists: GLP-1 agonists are often referred to as incretin mimetics. On reducing the amount of sugar released by the liver, it plays a vital role in spiking the body’s production of insulin. These play a pivotal role in:
- decreasing blood sugar levels
- extinguishing quench for food
- helping in weight loss
This drug is self-injectable and generally, doctors prescribe GLP-1 agonists in combination with metformin. On top of that, the content stance of injections is directly proportional to the drug prescribed to that particular patient affected.
- exenatide (Byetta) is to be injected twice daily
- exenatide extended-release pen (Bydureon) is to be injected once-weekly
A person may experience stomach ache and nausea after consuming GLP-1 agonist, but this eventually subsides. The risk of hypoglycemia subsides on consuming this drug.
Some side effects of GLP-1 agonists include:
- vomiting
- migraine or severe headaches
- indigestion
Amylin analogs: Popularly known as amylin agonists, amylin works by slowing the process of digestion and reducing the concentration of sugar the liver diffuses into the blood. This drug prevents blood sugar levels from spiking after the consumption of food. Amylin agonists also cause a sensation of feeling full which in turn helps in losing weight.
Initially, the patient feels a sensation of nausea but after a few weeks, the feeling subsides.
Subcutaneous Injection: Subcutaneous typically refers beneath the skin. This is a special type of injection in which a very minute needle is used to inject the medicine into the particulars tissue inside the skin and the muscle. If injected into a vein, medication consumed way is usually absorbed in a relatively slower speed. Sometimes, it goes over a period of 24 hours.
The most common injection sites are:
- at or under the level of one’s belly button, two inches away from the navel (abdomen)
- on back or side of one’s upper arm (arm)
- on the front of one’s thigh (thigh)
Cases in which these should be consumed:
The doctor prescribes insulin for people with severe symptoms of type 2 diabetes or certain medical conditions escorting it. the
In the majority of the cases, the endocrinologist prescribes insulin when the sugar levels in the bloodstream cannot be controlled by a combination of non-insulin drugs.
Furthermore, some prescribed medications can’t be given orally because the acidic juices and enzymes in the stomach act on them and eventually destroy them.
Advantages and disadvantages of injectables:
Advantages: Injectables are effective by reducing blood sugar after the consumption of meals and also help in lowering one’s fasting blood sugar. In the majority of cases, these drugs are beneficial for diabetic people who are overweight or obese (BMI >25).
This medicine is often very effective for people who have a rollercoaster-like effect on blood glucose, particularly after consuming a meal.
Disadvantages: Injectables must be given by injecting twice in every 24 hours. One has a sensation of nausea during the initial weeks, but this uneasiness subsides later. Some medicines consumed orally can interfere, so one should always check with their pharmacist or other healthcare providers for a piece of helpful advice.
Lifestyle tips:
Lifestyle tips for managing type 2 diabetes majorly include the following:
- maintaining healthy body weight, and losing weight, if required
- keeping an eye on the blood sugar levels regularly directed by the physician
- Getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night
- moderation of triglycerides and blood pressure level and omission of smoking or any other intoxication