Tag: Type 2 diabetes

Studies have suggested that metformin monotherapy may have an average duration of effect of approximately five years before glycemic control significantly wanes, largely due to the progressive nature of Type 2 diabetes. This raises the important question of **how long will metformin be effective** and what factors influence its longevity.

While metformin is the most widely prescribed medication for Type 2 diabetes, its relationship with muscle mass is complex and often misunderstood. The question of *does metformin cause muscle loss* has sparked debate, with research suggesting potential negative impacts in specific contexts while offering protective effects in others.

According to a 2023 review of six studies, Ozempic (semaglutide) significantly reduced blood pressure in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. This effect highlights an important cardiovascular benefit for a medication primarily prescribed for diabetes management, addressing the question: **Can Ozempic lower your blood pressure?**

As of 2022, approximately 150 million people worldwide use metformin daily, making it a first-choice drug for type 2 diabetes [1.10.3]. If you're one of them, you may be asking, 'How do I know if I still need metformin?'

In the United States, pioglitazone was the 133rd most commonly prescribed medication in 2023, with over 4 million prescriptions [1.4.6]. While effective for type 2 diabetes, a key question for patients is: **can pioglitazone cause diarrhea?** This is a recognized, though less common, side effect [1.2.4, 1.2.1].

In March 2000, the first thiazolidinedione (TZD) approved for type 2 diabetes was voluntarily withdrawn from the market after being linked to at least 63 liver-failure deaths, causing many to ask: Which TZD was discontinued and why?.

No, glipizide is not a thiazolidinedione, it belongs to a different class of medications known as sulfonylureas. While both types of drugs are used to manage type 2 diabetes, they work through entirely different mechanisms in the body to lower blood glucose levels. Understanding this fundamental difference is crucial for effective and safe diabetes management.

Historically, concerns over a rare but serious side effect known as Metformin-Associated Lactic Acidosis (M-ALA) led to the common practice of stopping metformin before procedures involving contrast dye, such as an angioplasty. However, modern guidelines reflect a more nuanced, risk-stratified approach, focusing on kidney function to minimize risks while maintaining glycemic control.

In a clinical trial of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), over 79% were already taking a diuretic when starting empagliflozin (Jardiance). So, can you take Jardiance with a diuretic? Yes, but with caution and medical supervision.

Colesevelam is a bile acid sequestrant prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol and improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes [1.10.2]. However, specific medical conditions make its use unsafe. Understanding who should not take colesevelam is critical for patient safety.