Diabetic Medication & Weight Loss
There are several medications on the market today that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have shown that some of these medications can have a interesting side effect: weight loss.
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Byetta
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Byetta is taken by injection twice daily. Exenatide, known by the brand-name Byetta, has produced weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. Doctors are still unsure why this happens.
Benefits of Byetta
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Byetta controls blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition to promoting weight loss, Byetta helps control blood sugar. It is taken by injection.
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Byetta Side Effects
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Byetta does have side effects, including headache. Side effects of Byetta include nausea, headache and dizziness. It has caused kidney problems in rare instances.
Metformin
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Metformin is a diabetes treatment somtimes prescribed for weight loss. Metformin is a diabetes treatment that goes by several names, including Fortamet and Glucophage. It is sometimes prescribed for weight loss, though it is not FDA approved for weight loss.
Benefits of Metformin
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Unlike Byetta, metformin is taken orally. Metformin not only helps control weight, but also may reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.
Metformin Side Effects
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Metformin may cause nausea and diarrhea. Like Byetta, metformin may cause nausea. It may also cause diarrhea and, on rare occasions, dangerous levels of lactic acid buildup.
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