Diabetes Information & Discounts

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Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases that cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Diabetes is usually controlled with diet and exercise, and diabetes pills or insulin injections. Review our diabetes medication list and claim your free coupons for diabetes drugs to help control costs. Our coupons are printable or receivable via e-mail or cell phone. They are ready to use and never expire.

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Diabetes Information & Discounts

General
Management
Types of Medication
Symptoms

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases that cause high blood sugar levels. This happens either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or because the body’s cells don’t respond to the insulin that is produced. This depends on the type of diabetes a person has.

Diabetes is caused by a combination of factors including a diet high in sugar and saturated fats, a lack of exercise, obesity and genetics. Sometimes diabetes is the result of an infection such as the Coxsackie B4 virus. Diabetes can also be brought on by drug use such as the use of statins, or cholesterol medication, and glucocorticoids.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin. It is usually caused by genetics plus an external factor such as an infection. Type 1 diabetes is not a result of lifestyle. It is usually treated with a combination of regular and NPH insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It usually slowly develops and is caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes treatment usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes and diabetes drugs. Lifestyle factors that contribute to type 2 diabetes include: lack of exercise and westernized diets high in sugar and saturated fats.

How can I manage diabetes?

No matter what type of diabetes you have, you should monitor your blood sugar level. Management between type 1 and type 2 diabetes are slightly different. The main difference in type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatments lies in the medication. Although type 1 diabetes does not arise from lifestyle, both types of diabetics can benefit from lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Changes

Follow a diet low in saturated fats such as animal fats and milk fats. Avoid sugar and artificial sugar if possible. Avoid simple carbohydrates like white bread, white pasta and rice. Consume complex carbohydrates and whole grains such as oats, fruits and vegetables. Consume healthy fats in moderation such as olives, avocados, nuts and seeds. Exercise regularly as exercise helps lower blood sugar levels and the effects of physical activity last even after you’ve finished. Talk to your doctor or a dietician about the best possible diet and exercise plan for you.

Diabetes Medication

Diabetes medications are prescribed to lower blood sugar levels by either preventing the release of glucose in the body or stimulating insulin production. Read about types of diabetes medications in our “Types of Medication” section.

Insulin Therapy

Insulin therapy is primarily for those with type 1 diabetes. Insulin injections are necessary when the body is unable to produce insulin. Types of insulin include rapid-acting insulin which begins to work in 5-15 minutes, long-acting insulin which begins to work in 1-2 hours, but lasts for up to 24 hours, and intermediate options. Insulin is injected using a syringe, an insulin pen or an insulin pump. Insulin pumps are small devices worn on the outside of the body. A small catheter is inserted in the abdomen, lower back, leg or arm. The device is programmed to automatically dispense fast-acting insulin into the body when needed.

What are the different types of diabetes medications?

There are several types of diabetes medications. Here is a list of three popular types.

Biguanides

Biguanides are a class of type 2 diabetes drugs that work by inhibiting the release of glucose in the liver and reducing the level of glucose in the blood. They also increase the body’s ability to absorb more glucose already present in the bloodstream and increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Biguanides may also promote minor weight loss and minor decline in LDL cholesterol levels. Side effects of biguanides include nausea and diarrhea and a harmful accumulation of lactic acid in the body or lactic acidosis. Biguanides are contraindicated for those with kidney problems.

Meglitinides and Sulfonylureas

Meglitinides and sulfonylureas are two common types of diabetes medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by binding to beta cells in the pancreas to stimulate insulin production in the pancreas. Some side effects of meglitinides and sulfonylureas include weight gain and hypoglycemia. Anyone taking these drugs should be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and monitor themselves closely.

Gliptons/DDP-4 Inhibitors

Gliptons or DDP-4 Inhibitors are used to treat type 2 diabetes by increasing the body’s secretion of insulin and also suppressing the release of glucose in the pancreas, thereby regulating blood sugar levels. Side effects from these drugs are less severe than with other diabetes medications, but may be less effective.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms of diabetes include a feeling of constantly being thirsty and frequent urination. Symptoms also include the feeling of being hungry all the time, even after you’ve eaten. Symptoms may also include blurred vision as a result of changes in the shape of the eye, tingling in the hands and feet and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms begin to occur rapidly for those with type 1 diabetes, and slowly over time for those with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Drug Information

Metformin
Januvia
Glucotrol

Metformin Information

Metformin (trade name Glucophage) is a first choice drug in most cases for type 2 diabetes treatment. It comes in the form of a pill and can be purchased at a low price with our metformin coupons. Metformin is in the class of biguanide diabetes drugs and works to inhibit the release of glucose in the liver and decrease the level of glucose in the blood. It also increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Metformin is the only anti-diabetic drug that has been shown to prevent cardiovascular complications from diabetes. Read more about biguanides in our “Types of Medication” section. Metformin diabetes pills are supposed to be taken orally with meals. Follow instructions given to you by your doctor. Check out site for coupons and save up to 85% off on Glucophage or 75% off on metformin drugs.

Januvia Information

Januvia, or sitaglipton in its generic form, are type 2 diabetes pills that fall in the class of DDP-4 inhibitors. See more about DDP-4 inhibitors in our “Types of Medication” section. This drug works by increasing the secretion of insulin in the body and suppressing the release of glucose in the liver. Check our site for coupons for up to 89% off the retail price of Januvia.

Glucotrol Information

Glucotrol, or glipizide in its generic form, are type 2 diabetes pills that are part of a group of drugs called sulfonylureas. Read about sulfonylureas in our “Types of Medication” section. Glucotrol is a rapid and short-acting drug that works by increasing the amount of insulin released in the body. It is to be taken orally 30 minutes before a meal. Follow instructions given to you by your doctor. Check our site for Glucotrol coupons and save up to 73% off on the retail price.