Perhaps being close to a family member with type 2 diabetes has caused the question to arise, \u201cWhat is Byetta?\u201d<\/p>
If a loved one, parent, child, significant other, or any close relative has diabetes and is prescribed a new medication, it is always prudent to be educated about it.\u00a0It is very important to know when it should be taken, what the possible side effects are, and why it was prescribed. Essentially, Byetta is a medication given to type 2 diabetes patients to help regulate their blood sugar after meals. It is typically supposed to be injected in the skin 60 minutes prior to the first and last meal of the day.<\/p>\n
A healthy, curious mind might still be wondering, what is Byetta actually doing once in the body.\u00a0What is the drug\u2019s chemical reaction? Is it basically just insulin? This is a valid inquiry, and there is an important distinction to make. The drug has several different effects which help keep blood sugar in check. The drug does not produce insulin directly. Instead, it taps into the body\u2019s natural insulin production system by mimicking the hormone, Incretin. The medication essentially acts as a natural hormone by alerting the pancreas to make the right amount of insulin at the appropriate time, which balances out blood sugar levels. In addition, the drug stops the liver from over producing glucose when it is not needed.<\/p>\n
The medication basically slows down the speed at which both glucose and food leave the stomach after a meal.\u00a0This prevents high blood glucose levels. Although there are certainly no guarantees, this last effect might result in weight loss for some people. This is not marketed as a weight-loss medication, even though the drug typically lowers the appetite of those taking it. Thereby lowering the amount of food one eats. Byetta should never be taken unless prescribed by a clinical doctor. Nor should its users never take more of the drug per day than allotted. However, what is Byetta, or any prescribed drug for that matter, if it is not taken properly.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Patients with diabetes have limited options for treatment, including Byetta, but an injury lawyer<\/a> may be needed if this medication causes serious health complications. The primary ingredient in this drug is exenatide, a synthetic version of exendin-4, which is a hormone secreted in the saliva of the Gila monster. This hormone was isolated for study in 1992 and was found to be chemically similar to GLP-1. This human peptide, GLP-1, is effective at increasing insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. It is also effective at decreasing glucagon secretion, a substance in the body that increases blood sugar. It also remains in the body longer than GLP-1, so it can treat diabetes with less frequent dosing.<\/p>\n