Diabetes Medications That Cause Weight Loss

If you are taking diabetes medications that cause weight loss, it may be time to reassess the medication and switch. Some common and potent diabetes drugs, such as metformin, can lead to obesity. Some research even links obesity to the long term use of these types of drugs. But metformin isn't the only culprit; other popular and often prescribed medications for diabetes include glatiramer acetate, indocyanine sulfate and methotrexate.

These are just a few of the many types of medications on the market today for controlling diabetes and reducing or reversing its complications. Most are approved by the FDA for long term use, but some are available for short term use under certain circumstances, such as when blood sugar levels are extremely low (hypoglycemia) or when liver disease is present. Also, some medications are only available in limited formulations or are used only after a certain number of injections over a specific period of time. And some diabetes medications cause weight gain, either immediately or as a side effect.

One such medication that causes weight loss is sulfonylmethane or NSAIDs, including penicillin G, clindamycin and diclofenac. They work by suppressing the insulin receptors, which control the production and release of glucose from the liver. Sulfonylmethane and related compounds have been shown to reduce cell viability, damage cellular membranes and interfere with DNA repair. These conditions make cells more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infection, as well as to damage caused by excessive insulin levels. The most common NSAIDs are colchicine, said, indocyanine sulfate and metronidazole.

Other medications for diabetes are insulin secretagogues (insulin), oral hypoglycemic drugs (glucose), and beta-blocking agents. Insulin secretagogues include gluconate, gums, insulin and preloads. Oral hypoglycemic drugs include prilosec, sucralfate, ranitidine, and sometimes alinacide. beta-blocking agents include diosmetin and warfarin. A recent development in diabetes medications that cause weight loss is metabolically active gum made from the herb black cumin, which prevents or controls excessive insulin and glucose production by stimulating the pancreas.

For many years, the only way to treat diabetes was with medications. But now there are natural or homeopathic medications available, which can be used by diabetics with diabetes as well as by individuals who have not suffered any negative side effects from taking conventional medications. Many people who take diabetes medications, however, still want to lose weight. If this is the case, the first step is to have your blood sugar monitored regularly by your doctor.

You may be surprised to learn that the most common cause of weight gain in diabetics is abnormal insulin secretion. If you suspect that this is the case in your case, you should discuss it with your doctor. It is a serious matter, and you need to make sure that you are keeping your blood sugar levels within normal limits. This is the only way to avoid diabetes complications such as ketoacidosis and other serious conditions that are potentially life threatening.

Some of the most common types of diabetic medications that cause weight loss are dextrose, sucralfate, gluconate and glucose. Each one affects insulin differently. The glucose form is the most dangerous because its absorption by the body is disrupted, allowing the person taking it to build up too much fat. If the diabetic patient eats too much, he or she can develop an electrolyte imbalance as well, causing kidney damage. If this happens, the person can become comatose and die.

Other medications that cause weight gain include phentermine, sometimes called "megasweet" or" Splenda," which suppresses hunger and can further increase a diabetic's risk of developing diabetes complications. Some researchers believe that NSAID's (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and aspirin can lead to insulin resistance and type II diabetes. Certain cancer medications, including chemotherapy agents can also increase the chances of developing diabetes. People who have a family history of diabetes are more likely to develop the disease, though this doesn't mean that everyone who takes these medicines will develop diabetes.