Other Medications
Other Medications are medications not specifically designed to treat blood glucose but are often used to help manage diabetes; this term also applies to medications that may affect blood glucose in other ways. For more information on Other Medications, please review the related questions below.
Questions
Q: "I read an article about spices. One of the items they mentioned was that cinnamon can improve blood sugar. Is that true? Can I use cinnamon to decrease the amount of insulin injected? How can I calculate what amount reduces what amount of glucose?"
BYETTA®
Q: "My aunt has started taking BYETTA®, and she loves it—she has lost weight and has improved her diabetes control. Is this a drug for me as well? I currently take Glucophage®, am overweight, and am not well controlled; my doctor said it is time to add more medication."
Timing of BYETTA® Doses
Q: "I currently inject 5mg of BYETTA® twice per day. The instructions state to inject before a meal and not to take it after eating. What effect would BYETTA have if taken after a meal? Would it just not work, or would I suffer ill effects?"
Symlin®
Q: "How Does SYMLIN® Work? I have had type 1 diabetes for 30 years, and my control is often erratic. In fact, I have been told I have brittle diabetes. Would Symlin help me?"
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Q: "I have seen several references to Lipoic Acid and its benefit for blood glucose levels. What can you tell me about the use of this supplement?"
Pharmacists and Medication Interactions
Q: "I have been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, non-insulin dependent. I also have arthritis. After returning to my normal medications one at a time, which include Bextra® (see note), a cox2 inhibitor, my glucose shot up to 247. On another medication, Effexor®, my glucose barely rose to 65. I have since stopped taking both; can you give me any advice as to where I can find information on safe medications for diabetics? I have a wonderful pharmacist, but I hate to tie her up with researching my meds so often."
Chromium
Q: "I have type 2 diabetes. I read on a USDA website about a study where 1000 mcg Chromium Picolinate spread out through the day went a long way towards lowering blood sugar. I showed the report to my doctor. He said he could not believe it, but to give it a try. I did, and for the last 3 weeks my blood glucose has been normal in the morning, noon and night even though I stopped taking the oral medication. Have you seen any other reference to using Chromium at high levels for this purpose?"
Controlling Lipids (Blood Fats)
Q: "I have type 2 diabetes treated with Amaryl®. Now my doctor has added Lipitor®. What does Lipitor do?"
Alternative Therapies
Q: "Why isn’t there more information or emphasis on alternative therapies for diabetes?"
Glucosamine
Q: "Are there any contraindications with a person who has type 2 diabetes taking glucosamine supplements? Is it possible for oral glucosamine to affect blood sugar values?"
Thiazide Diuretics — Effect On Blood Glucose
Q: "I have read numerous articles Re: Dyazide® and elevated glucose — do you have any information?"
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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