REPAGLINIDE
Published April 14, 2024 | 
The first of a new class of drugs for treating Type 2 diabetes. Cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 1998, repaglinide (brand name Prandin) is the first of a new class of oral diabetes drugs called meglitinides. It follows on the heels of a variety of diabetes drugs recently introduced, including acarbose (Precose) and metformin (Glucophage).
RESISTANT STARCH
Published April 14, 2024 | A type of starch that is resistant to (not easily broken down by) digestive enzymes, so it is absorbed much more slowly into the bloodstream than other starches. For this reason, resistant starch is used in some diabetes snack bars designed to improve blood glucose control and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
RETINOPATHY
Published April 14, 2024 | A disease of the small blood vessels of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a sight-threatening condition that affects 80% of people who have had diabetes for 15 years. In most cases, however, blindness can be prevented.
SOMOGYI EFFECT
Published April 14, 2024 | The tendency of the body to react to extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) by overcompensating, resulting in high blood sugar. The Somogyi effect, also known as the “rebound” effect, was named after Michael Somogyi, the researcher who first described it. Continue reading
SUGAR ALCOHOLS
Published April 14, 2024 | Carbohydrates that have been chemically transformed into alcohols. Sugar alcohols are less sweet and less caloric than table sugar. Because they are absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly than sugar, sugar alcohols don’t raise blood glucose levels as high and don’t require as much insulin to metabolize. For these reasons, people with diabetes sometimes use them as alternatives to sugar. Continue reading
SULFONYLUREAS
Published April 14, 2024 |
A class of drugs used in treating Type 2 diabetes. The first line of treatment for Type 2 diabetes consists of dietary changes and exercise, which help people with diabetes lose weight, improve the way their bodies make and use insulin, and lower blood glucose levels. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, many people either cannot lose weight or cannot maintain their weight loss, or their blood glucose levels are poorly controlled in spite of weight loss.
What are the cosmetic uses for Botox?
Published April 14, 2024 | Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a biological toxin transformed into a therapeutic agent. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to temporarily improve the frown lines between the eyebrows. Botox injections relax the muscles in this area to create a smooth appearance. Other common uses include improving forehead furrows and crow’s feet. The effects of Botox typically last up to a few months.
When should I consider having my child’s tonsils and adenoids removed?
Published April 14, 2024 | Adenotonsillectomy is one of the most common outpatient surgical procedures performed in the United States. The most common indication for tonsil and adenoid removal has been recurrent bacterial infections requiring antibiotic therapy at least four to six times per year.