| Abstract: |
This chapter on drug therapy is from a book about prediabetes, also called the metabolic syndrome. Written in non-technical language to help readers prevent or delay their progression to diabetes, the book uses a road map and automobile analogy to explain the strategies they can take to better health. In this chapter, the author describes the use of medications to help lower the risk of developing diabetes. There are glucose-lowering medications for people with diabetes which can work by helping the pancreas release more insulin, making the cells more sensitive to insulin, reducing the amount of glucose made by the liver, blocking digestion of carbohydrates or fat, or substituting for human insulin to help the cells use glucose. The author also outlines non-diabetes medications that may be useful, including anti-hypertensive agents or cholesterol-lowering drugs. Vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements may also be used; the author outlines some of the studies on these alternative therapies, commenting on benefits, efficacy, and side effects reported. Readers are encouraged to work closely in tandem with their health care providers and to become an active, educated member of their own health care team. The author uses conversational language, with true stories and personal examples, and questions for consideration at the end of the chapter. 2 tables. |