Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus – Overview
Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus (DM), is a class of disorders of the metabolism that result in chronically high blood sugar levels. With Patricia (Nurse Pattye) Anderson, FNP bc, people in need of a diabetes medication prescription can get the needed prescriptions from Nurse Pattye if it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Diabetes Symptoms / Signs of Diabetes
Diabetes symptoms vary widely from person to person. In fact, many people will have no symptoms or signs of diabetes (asymptomatic) at all even though they have the disorder. However, untreated asymptomatic diabetes can cause damage all around the body, even in the absence of specific diabetes symptoms, and put one at a higher risk of having an acute medical problem such as a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. Physical symptoms of diabetes can also include increased thirst and urination, especially at night, hunger and weight loss. More severe symptoms can include nausea, stomach pain, a fruity odor in the breath, visual changes, fatigue and an increased susceptibility to infections. After a long period of time, the nervous system can be affected and result in decreased sensation, sometimes secondary to reductions in blood flow. As can be seen, diabees symptoms can be highly variable, depending on the person.
Diabetes Medications and Side Effects
Prescription diabetes medications are frequently used in managing blood sugar levels in diabetics. Examples of prescription diabetes medications:
Acarbose
Basaglar
Farxiga
Glimepiride
Glipizide
Glucovance
Glyburide
Invokana
Janumet
Januvia
Jardiance
Jentadueto
Metformin (Glucophage)
Ozempic
Pioglitazone (Actos)
Tradjenta
Trulicity
Victoza
Prescription medications used for treating diabetes can cause side effects. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach ache. All medications for diabetes management can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). All diabetes medications can cause a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction when used and should be avoided if there is a history of this type of reaction. Questions and concerns about diabetes medication side effects should be directed to a medical provider and pharmacist prior to use. Some devices used for managing one’s diabetes such as the FreeStyle Libre System also require a prescription from a medical provider before they can be obtained from a pharmacy.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
Many people have heard of diabetes described as type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. How does one compare type 1 diabetes versus type 2 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes mellitus results from a failure of the pancreas to produce insulin. Specifically, the pancreas loses beta cells which produce insulin due to one of many reasons. Type 2 diabetes is a consequence of cells not responding to the insulin that is present properly – so-called insulin resistance. One can be at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes because of underlying genetics and because of lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise, a bad diet or stress.
How To Prevent Diabetes
Some people wonder how to prevent diabetes. While not all cases of diabetes can be prevented (especially type 1 diabetes), there are changes one can make that can help lower the risk that one will get diabetes in the future. Lifestyle changes such as getting to an ideal body weight, eating less sugar and more vegetables, and avoiding alcohol use can all improve one’s chances of preventing diabetes. Other changes that may help prevent diabetes include avoiding smoking, drinking lots of water and eating smaller portion sizes.
Diabetes Prescriptions Online
One cannot simply buy diabetes medications online as most diabetes medications require a prescription before a pharmacy can dispense them in the United States. Patricia (Nurse Pattye) Anderson, FNP bc can connect people who might need a diabetes medication prescription with medical providers who can prescribe a medication when appropriate.