Over the last few years, three diabetes treatments with entirely new modes of actions have been approved: Byetta, for people with Type II diabetes, Symlin(as an add-on for insulin thereapy patients with Type I and Type II diabetes) and Januvia (also for people with Type II diabetes). Although these treatments do not provide a cure for diabetes it certainly does provide more options for a plentiful life.
Some treatments help the pancreas produce more insulin (if you have Type II diabetes), others help cells use insulin better, and others keep the liver from releasing too much glucose. The three new treatments focus action on hormones called ‘incretins’. The two given by injection—Byetta and Symlin—have an added bonus of promoting weight loss.
There are more options available to tailor each individuals needs. Since Type II is progressive what may work for some people a period of time may not prove to be effective in a long period of time. Some people who have Type II diabetes may begin their treatment with oral medications, but later find out that insulin injections give them more control of their blood sugar levels.
Byetta (generic: exenatide)
Symlin (pramlintide acetate)
Januvia (sitagliptin)
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