Did your doctor tell you to start taking a pill called Miglitol because you have Type 2 Diabetes? Or is a family member or friend using this medication? If you feel a little scared when you hear this name, don't worry. Today, we'll talk in a very simple and friendly way about what this medication is, what it does to our bodies, and what we need to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is Miglitol?
Simply put, Miglitol is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Its main function is to slow down the rate at which carbohydrates, the nutrients in the foods we eat, are converted into sugar (glucose) in the body and added to the blood.
Imagine that you eat something like rice or bread. When these foods are digested, the starch in them turns into sugar and quickly enters the blood. Then the blood sugar level rises suddenly. Miglitol acts like a traffic police officer. That is, it controls the speed at which this sugar enters the blood and makes it flow smoothly. Therefore, the sudden increase in your blood sugar level after a meal is controlled.
But remember this. Taking this medicine alone is not enough. To control diabetes well, you need to use this medicine along with a proper diet and exercise .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It's important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health, so be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions below before starting Miglitol.
| Your health condition | Why is it important to say that? |
|---|---|
| Diabetic ketoacidosis | This is a serious complication of diabetes. This medication is not suitable in this situation. |
| Kidney disease | When the kidneys are not working properly, the removal of this medicine from the body may be affected. Therefore, the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Stomach or intestinal diseases (e.g., intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease) | Because this medicine affects the digestive system, symptoms may worsen if you already have underlying conditions. |
| Allergy to Miglitol or other substances | If you have allergies to medications, foods, dyes, etc., you can prevent a serious allergic reaction by disclosing them. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | There is still no complete information about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy. Therefore, the doctor will offer another option. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | It is important to discuss with your doctor whether or not the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
This is the most important thing you need to know about this medication. To get the most out of Miglitol, you need to take it in a special way.
- With the first bite of a meal: Take this pill with a glass of water at the start of your main meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner), with the first bite of your meal . Taking this after a meal will not help.
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the right time, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dosage frequently.
- Do not stop taking the medication: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- What if you forget to take a dose?: If you forget to take a dose when you start eating and remember while eating, take it right away. But if you remember after you have finished eating, skip the dose altogether. Never take two doses at once. Take only the prescribed dose with your next main meal.
- Vomiting or diarrhea: If you have severe vomiting or diarrhea that is so severe that you cannot eat, call your doctor for advice.
- If you take too much medicine: If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medicines that should not be used with Miglitol and that you should be careful with
Some medications can interact with each other when taken together. Therefore, if you are taking Miglitol, you should be especially careful with the medications listed below.
| Do not take Miglitol with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Gatifloxacin (an antibiotic) | Taking these two medications together can cause very dangerous changes in blood sugar levels. |
| Tell your doctor if you are using these. | |
| Charcoal (activated charcoal) | This can reduce the absorption of Miglitol into the body. |
| Digestive enzymes | These can interfere with the effectiveness of Miglitol. |
| Digoxin (a medicine for heart disease) | Miglitol can reduce the absorption of Digoxin into the body. |
| Other diabetes medications | When taken with other diabetes medications, there is a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things you should be careful about when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Visit your doctor on scheduled days to check your condition.
- A1C test: This is a simple blood test that can give a clear picture of how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past 2-3 months.
- Blood Sugar Testing: Learn how to test your blood sugar at home. Also, learn the symptoms of low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) and how to deal with them.
- If you have low blood sugar: Always keep a quick source of sugar, such as glucose tablets, nearby. If you have a serious condition such as fainting or seizures, tell family and friends that putting anything in your mouth at that time could cause a choking hazard. If this happens, you should seek immediate medical attention.
- Don't skip meals: Never skip meals.
- A medical ID card: Wearing a medical ID card or bracelet that lists your diabetes and the medications you take can be very helpful in an emergency.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Miglitol can cause side effects in some people. Some of them require immediate attention, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Gas | This is most common in the early stages of starting the medication. |
| Diarrhea | This can often be reduced through diet control. |
| Stomach ache | Slight stomach pain may occur. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Miglitol is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and controls the rate at which sugar builds up in the blood.
- This medicine should always be taken with the first bite of a meal . Otherwise, it will be of no use.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Always keep a quick source of sugar, such as glucose tablets, nearby.
- If you are taking any other medication, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other medical condition, tell your doctor before starting this medication.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, the best person to ask is your doctor. Don't be afraid to ask him or her.
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