Diabetes Drug Actos May Also Help Prediabetes
Weighing Risks vs. Benefits
Study co-researcher Robert R. Henry, MD, says the findings show that targeting insulin sensitivity can have a dramatic impact on diabetes risk.
The treatment-related reduction in diabetes risk was higher than that associated with healthy changes in lifestyle in a diabetes prevention study from the National Institutes of Health.
But Henry says lifestyle intervention will remain the recommended treatment for most of his patients with prediabetes. Henry is chief of endocrinology and diabetes at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and the president of medicine and science with the American Diabetes Association.
“I might consider pioglitazone in patients who have a very high diabetes risk, but this would be a very restricted population,” he says. “As with all drug treatments, the risks and benefits have to be weighed.”
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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