Newer Diabetes Meds Keep the Pounds Off

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Diabetics concerned about weight gain and other side effects of standard diabetes medications might want to ask their doctors about a new class of drugs.

According to Boston researchers who pooled the results of 29 studies, incretin-based therapy improves blood sugar control without causing low blood sugar or packing on the extra pounds -- two side effects often associated with other drugs used to treat the type 2 form of the condition.

The drugs work in the intestines, where they promote the release of key peptides in response to the consumption of sugar or other nutrients. The U.S. Food an drug Administration approved the first incretin-based therapy, sitagliptin (Januvia), in October of 2006. The medication is taken by mouth.

Side effects of the new drugs include gastrointestinal upsets, nasal and urinary track infections, and headaches.

Study authors write more research is warranted to ensure the safety and effectiveness of incretin-based therapy, but note the drugs may be a good option for people with mild diabetes who are at risk for low blood sugar or increased weight gain with standard medications.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2007;298:194-206

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