When people think of diabetes, most people think of insulin injections. Some people find this a bit scary and even a bit annoying because they have to inject it several times a day. But did you know that there are now several new, non-insulin, injectable medications for Type 2 Diabetes? Some of these only need to be injected once a week. So today, let's talk briefly about these new, advanced medications.
What is this medicine? How does it work?
The main and most popular type of medication in this category is called GLP-1 Receptor Agonists . While the name may sound a bit complicated, the way it works is very simple.
Imagine, there is a hormone called "GLP-1" that is naturally produced in our body. When we eat, this hormone sends a signal to our pancreas, saying, "Okay, now sugar is accumulating in the blood, so produce the necessary amount of insulin." This process is a little weak in people with diabetes.
What these injectable medications we're talking about today do is work like that natural hormone and deliver this exact signal. That is:
- It helps the pancreas produce insulin only when blood sugar levels increase .
- It controls the unnecessary production of sugar by the liver.
- It slows down the rate of digestion. This makes you feel full even after eating a small amount. This helps control overeating and helps in weight loss .
Now let's take a look at several different types of medications in this category.
| Dulaglutide (Trulicity) | |
|---|---|
| What is this? | This is also a GLP-1 drug. The special thing is that it only needs to be injected once a week . |
| Who will take it? | Doctors recommend it for adults with type 2 diabetes who cannot control their blood sugar well with other treatments. It can be used alone or with other diabetes medications (such as metformin). |
| Common side effects | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, and loss of appetite may occur in the early stages. Most of the time, these will subside within a few days. |
| Semaglutide (Ozempic) | |
|---|---|
| What is this? | This is also a very popular GLP-1 drug that is taken once a week . Many people in Sri Lanka know it by the name Ozempic. |
| Who will take it? | It is given to adults with type 2 diabetes. It has been found to have additional benefits, especially for those at high risk of heart disease or kidney disease. Doctors also recommend it for people with obesity because it also helps with weight loss. |
| Common side effects | Mild to moderate nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, and in some people, eye problems (diabetic retinopathy) may increase. So be careful with eye exams. |
| Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) | |
|---|---|
| What is this? | This is an even newer and more advanced drug. It works like GLP-1 and another hormone called GIP. So it's a 'dual-action' drug. It's also taken once a week. |
| Who will take it? | It is given to adults with type 2 diabetes. It shows very good results in controlling blood sugar and losing weight. |
| Common side effects | Like other medications, nausea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, stomach pain, and constipation may occur. |
Important: Special awareness about GLP-1 class medications
Animal studies have shown an association between these medications and an increased risk of thyroid cancer in animals, such as rats. However, it is not yet clear whether this will be the case in humans . However, as a precautionary measure, if you or someone in your family has a history of thyroid cancer, you should definitely tell your doctor before starting this medication.
Another drug that works a little differently
In addition to the GLP-1 class, there is another vaccine that works differently.
| Pramlintide (Symlin) | |
|---|---|
| What is this? | This is a synthetic form of a hormone called Amylin, which is produced by our pancreas along with insulin. |
| Who will take it? | This is given to people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who take insulin with meals . It is used in conjunction with insulin. |
| How it works | When taken with insulin before meals, the two work together to control blood sugar. Like other medications, they slow down the digestion of food and make you feel full. |
| Common side effects | The main side effect is nausea. To reduce this, the doctor will start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose. Loss of appetite, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness may also occur. |
If you are thinking about this medicine...
These medications are very advanced and effective. But they are not suitable for everyone. Only your doctor can decide whether this type of medication is right for you. He will choose the best treatment after considering many factors such as your health condition, the nature of your diabetes, age, and other illnesses.
Especially if you are planning to become pregnant or are currently pregnant, you should definitely inform your doctor before using any of these medications, as there are not enough studies yet on how they affect pregnant women.
Take-Home Message
- Not all diabetes injections are insulin. There are now advanced medications that are taken once a week, like Ozempic and Trulicity.
- These medications not only control blood sugar, but they can also help you lose weight by making you feel full.
- Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common when you first start taking this medication. Most of the time, they go away after a few days. But if they persist or are severe, tell your doctor.
- Before starting any new medication, be sure to tell your doctor about your current medical conditions and family medical history (especially thyroid cancer).
- Don't decide whether this medication is right for you by looking at the internet. Only the doctor who examines you should make that decision.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment