FDA Approves New Diabetes Drug Cycloset

New Diabetes Drug Cycloset Approved

Cycloset Targets Brain Chemical Dopamine to Treat Type 2 Diabetes

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News

May 7, 2009 -- The FDA has approved a new drug, called Cycloset, to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, in addition to diet and exercise.

Cycloset takes a new approach to treating type 2 diabetes. It boosts levels of a chemical called dopamine, which helps nerve cells communicate.

Cycloset is taken orally in the morning, within two hours of waking, and with food.

It's not clear how Cycloset improves glycemic control in humans. But studies in diabetic animals show that boosting dopamine activity at a particular time of day can "reset" the biological clock to improve metabolism problems related to diabetes, according to VeroScience, the company that developed Cycloset.

In a yearlong trial of 3,070 adults with type 2 diabetes, Cycloset trumped a placebo at improving HbA1c levels, which gauge blood sugar control, over the previous two to three months. In that trial, 39% of patients taking Cycloset met the HbA1c goal, compared to 11% of patients taking the placebo.

In addition, patients taking Cycloset were less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, or to die of heart disease.

During the clinical trial, 24% of the patients in the Cycloset group dropped out of the study, compared to 15% of the patients taking placebo. Gastrointestinal side effects, particularly nausea, were the main reason patients taking Cycloset quit the study.

The most commonly reported adverse events were nausea, fatigue, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. None of those cases was serious, and side effects were more likely to happen when patients first started taking Cycloset.

Cycloset's active ingredient, bromocriptine mesylate, isn't a new drug. It's been used in other formulations to treat conditions including Parkinson's disease, usually at higher doses, according to Cycloset's prescribing information.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

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.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. 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 currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

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.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

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.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.