FDA Approves New Diabetes Drug Symlin
Candidates for Symlin continued...
According to Amylin, studies show that Symlin injections prior to meals help lower blood sugar after meals, leading to less fluctuation during the day and better long-term blood sugar control when compared with insulin alone.
"Side effects associated with Symlin included but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, and dizziness," says the FDA.
The FDA notes three areas of concern that will appear in Symlin's labeling and medication guide:
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This is the principle risk with Symlin therapy, says the FDA. Hypoglycemia risk was highest in people with type 1 diabetes and patients with gastroparesis.
Potential for medical error. Specifically, mixing Symlin with insulin in the same syringe can alter the activity of the insulin, says the FDA.
Potential for off-label use. The FDA voices concern about Symlin use by patients other than those who have been studied. The drug's maker, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, will monitor that, says the FDA.
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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