Byetta and Type 2 Diabetes

I am sure most of you have seen the latest commercials on television advertising Byetta" (Exenitide) for Type 2 diabetes. Interesting to note, Byetta actually has its origin from the saliva of a Gila Monster, a venomous lizard found in the desert regions of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. When studied, the Gila Monster was noted for going long periods of time without having to eat.This amazing lizard was found to produce a certain type of protein that slows down stomach emptying. What this means is that it stays full for prolonged periods of time. Humans are known to produce a similar type of protein, called GLP-1. Hence the new drug, Byetta was born, which is actually a synthetic form of GLP-1. Byetta comes in an injectable form, but it is important to note, it should NOT replace insulin therapy for those who require it.

Byetta was approved in the U.S. market as early as 2005 and in the two years since it has been on the market, it has not yet been hit with any controversial allegations regarding serious, detrimental side effects. Remember, the keyword here is: "YET"! Eli-Lily, the producers of the drug, have reported huge jumps in sales hitting the $164.8 million mark for its third quarter in 2007. Currently, they are working on an more advanced version of the drug, Byetta LAR, which is a long acting release formula in an effort to keep sales growing.

Benefits of Byetta include delaying stomach emptying, increasing a feeling of fullness and reducing glucagon release from the liver thereby lowering blood sugar. It may also help pancreatic cells that produce insulin live longer. Additionally, Byetta has been found to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and promote, in some cases, significant weight loss. For those patients studied, the ones who lost the most weight also had a reduction in triglycerides and an increase in their HDL's, (the good cholesterol). Overall, these effects can assist individuals with not only improving diabetic health, but also in reducing cardiovascular risk factors such as those associated with stroke and heart attack.

Of course, with any drug, there are side effects to consider and if they become bothersome, discuss this with your doctor. Your physician should also be advised of any other drugs that you might be taking that may react with Byetta, so always make sure you bring your full list of medications with you when you visit him/her.

Any drug that you take may cause a severe allergic reaction, Byetta included. If you develop hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, this is considered a medical emergency and 911 should be called immediately. Other less severe side effects of Byetta include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Loss of Appetite
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Feeling jittery

It is important to also be aware of the signs of hypoglycemia that could be related to this medication. These are:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Rapid Heartbeat
• and in severe cases difficulty arousing and coma

Always keep a source of sugar with you if you begin to experience any of these symptoms, and be sure to teach family members these signs as well. If anyone that you live with is unable to arouse you, of course they should contact 911 immediately.

Remember it is important that you discuss Byetta or any other medication with your doctor prior to taking it!

Follow this link to view the latest Byetta commercial on hubpages:

http://hubpages.com/_vajs531wdt59/hub/Byetta-and-Type-2-Diabetes

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