Amylinomimetics for Diabetes
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| pramlintide | Symlin |
Amylinomimetics may be used for type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Pramlintide is given as an injection at mealtimes. Pramlintide is always used with insulin, but the injections are given separately.
How It Works
Amylinomimetics work with insulin to control blood sugars after meals. This medicine slows down food moving through your stomach and slows down sugars moving into your blood. Pramlintide also lowers your appetite and can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Amylinomimetics are synthetic drugs that act like a naturally occurring hormone called amylin. People with type 1 diabetes do not make amylin themselves. People with type 2 diabetes who need insulin do not make enough amylin.
Why It Is Used
Amylinomimetics may be used by adults who fulfill all of the following:
- Have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Use insulin.
- Need better blood sugar control.
Amylinomimetics do not replace insulin. This medicine works with insulin to help you control your blood sugar.
How Well It Works
Amylinomimetics used with insulin can improve blood sugar control for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In some studies, pramlintide was linked with weight loss.1
Side Effects
Nausea is the most common side effect for amylinomimetics.
You have a higher risk of having severe low blood sugar with this medicine. Do not use amylinomimetics if you cannot tell when your blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness).
Less common side effects include:
- Less appetite.
- Vomiting.
- Stomach pain.
- Tiredness.
- Dizziness.
- Indigestion.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Do not use amylinomimetics if you fulfill any of the following:
- Cannot tell when your blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness).
- Have been diagnosed with gastroparesis, which means your stomach does not empty as fast as it should.
- Have had an allergic reaction to pramlintide.
Amylinomimetics also slow down how fast your body absorbs oral medicines. Talk with your doctor about all other medicines that you take. If you are taking oral medicines that need to be rapidly absorbed, you may take them either one hour before or two hours after an injection of an amylinomimetic.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Experts do not know if amylinomimetics can harm a fetus or if this drug can pass through breast milk.
If you miss a dose, wait until your next meal and take your usual dose at that meal.
Do not use pramlintide if the liquid in the vial looks cloudy. Pramlintide should be clear.
Do not stop taking amylinomimetics without talking with your doctor first.
Pramlintide has not been studied in children.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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