Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Anabolic steroids or androgens can increase the risk of developing
hypoglycemia in diabetic patients taking glucose-lowering medications.
Some drugs increase blood sugar and therefore reverse the effects of
repaglinide. Such drugs include amphetamines, glucorticoids such
as prednisone, estrogens, isoniazid, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), phenytoin
(Dilantin), decongestants, and thyroid drugs.
Beta blockers, for example, propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), can cause
hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Also, beta-blockers can blunt some of the
body's responses to hypoglycemia such as rapid heart rate, thus making it difficult for patients to
recognize (and treat) hypoglycemic reactions. This not withstanding, beta-blockers have been
used successfully in diabetic patients. (Treatment with beta-blockers is associated with
improved survival in diabetics who are treated with the beta-blocker because of high blood pressure.)
Gemfibrozil (Lopid) should not be combined with repaglinide because gemfibrozil may significantly increase blood levels of repaglinide leading to side effects.
PREGNANCY: No adequate human studies on the effects of
repaglinide on the fetus have been done; however, there have been no effects in animal studies in which the mother has received repaglinide during pregnancy. Nevertheless, animals given
repaglinide during both lactation (nursing) and gestation have developed skeletal
defects. Therefore, physicians must weight the potential benefits and risks
of this medication when considering its use in
pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether repaglinide
accumulates in breast milk. However, animals given repaglinide during
pregnancy and lactation have developed skeletal defects. Because of the possibility of
hypoglycemia in nursing infants and the skeletal effects in nursing
animals, it is recommended that repaglinide not be used in women who are
breastfeeding.
SIDE EFFECTS: Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) occurs somewhat
less frequently with repaglinide (1 in 6 persons) than with sulfonylureas such as
glyburide and glipizide (1 in 5 persons). Some symptoms of hypoglycemia
include hunger, nausea, tiredness, perspiration, headache, heart
palpitations, numbness around the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors,
muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold temperature, excessive yawning,
irritability, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Headache is reported in
1 in 9 persons. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
constipation, stomach pain, back pain, and chest pain.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Hypoglycemia is a syndrome caused by low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include palpitations, trembling, intense hunger, sweating, nervousness, and weakness. Consuming lifesavers, table sugar, soda, and juice are good treatment options for hypoglycemia.
Hyperglycemia is a serious health problem for diabetics. There are two types of hyperglycemia, 1) fasting, and 2)postprandial or after meal hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can also lead to ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). There are a variety of causes of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes. Symptoms include increased thirst, headaches, blurred vision, frequent urination and more. Treatment can be achieved through lifestyle changes or medications changes. Carefully monitoring blood glucose levels is key to prevention.
The major goal in treating diabetes is controlling elevated blood sugar without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Treatment for type 1 diabetes is with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Treatment for type 2 diabetes is first treated with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugar, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.
Managing your diabetes is important. The goal of diabetic therapy is to control blood glucose levels and prevent the complications of diabetes. Information about exercise, diet diet, and medication will help you manage your diabetes better. Blood glucose reagent strips, blood glucose meters, urine glucose tests, tests for urinary ketones, continuous glucose sensors, and Hemoglobin A1C testing information is also provided in this article.
Taking care of a disease such as diabetes is a life-long process. Learn how to care for yourself or loved one with diabetes in situations such as illness, work, school, travel, or a natural disaster.
Diabetes RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the