Type 2 diabetes often starts in overweight patients in their early middle age. Insulin is still produced but it does not have as much effect. An oral type 2 diabetes medication such as metformin boosts the sensitivity of the cells so they respond better to the insulin that is still produced. Many diabetics find that they can control their blood sugar using a combination of diet, regular exercise and an oral diabetes type 2 medication.

The importance of self-care in diabetes
Good medical management of type 2 diabetes is easier if the patient is well motivated to manage their own condition. In its early stages, type 2 diabetes responds well to weight loss. Reducing the amount of abdominal fat has a particularly significant effect on the cell signalling processes that increase insulin resistance. Sticking to a diet rich in foods with a low glycaemic index and doing regular exercise can also help control blood sugar levels. Patients who make lifestyle modifications as well as taking 2 diabetes medication regularly often need a lower dose.

First line oral type 2 diabetes medication
The first line diabetes type 2 medication is usually metformin. This is often prescribed in tablet form but metformin liquid is available as an alternative oral medicine for diabetes.

Metformin medication for type 2 diabetes works in several ways:


* Metformin reduces the amount of glucose that is released from the breakdown of glycogen in the liver.
* It increases the response of body cells to insulin, facilitating the uptake of more glucose from the blood.
* Metformin also slows down the rate of absorption of glucose from the small intestine into the blood.

Problems with medication for type 2 diabetes
Medicines often have side effects and diabetes medications are no exception. Metformin medication tends to irritate the stomach and digestive system. Even metformin liquid, taken as recommended after meals, can cause nausea and vomiting in the early days of treatment.

Metformin is otherwise a relatively safe type 2 diabetes medication that rarely causes hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemic attacks can occur if it is taken in combination with another oral diabetes medication, or in conjunction with insulin. Like all biguanide drugs, metformin can also cause lactic acidosis, particularly in patients with liver, kidney or heart disease.

Coping with type 2 diabetes medication
It is wise to start with a small dose of metformin and build up slowly, until an adequate level of blood sugar control is achieved. Metformin liquid is easier to take if large doses are required and the current formulations, which are all sugar-free, are pleasantly flavoured with either peach or peppermint.

Oral medication for type 2 diabetes can only be effective if it is taken regularly. Patients should be encouraged to avoid missing or delaying doses and to stick to an eating plan to keep their blood sugar as stable as possible.

Do you suffer from type 2 diabetes? You may be surprised to discover that there easy ways to take your medication that doesn’t involve swallowing tablets. You can find lots more information about the different medications available for swallowing difficulties at http://www.rosemontpharma.com

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