Golden Opportunities

Diabetes is dangerous. Without careful management, it can lead to terrible complications. Since at Golden Opportunities, we pride ourselves on bringing you the most up-to-date and helpful advice, we are especially excited to have Betty Budyka, from Akron General Medical Center’s diabetes center. She’s here to tell us about a breakthrough option in diabetes treatment.

Question: Diabetes, especially Type II diabetes, is on the rise. And that can lead to some serious complications, correct?

Answer: Yes. The aim of diabetes treatment is really to control the blood sugar so that the complications of diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
These complications included heart disease, coronary artery disease, kidney disease, impotence, and problems with the feet and eyes.
Treatment can be difficult because it necessitates major lifestyle changes.

Question: I understand that there's a new medication that can be used to control blood sugar. How is this medication different?

Answer: There's a new medication called Exubera, and it's revolutionary. It's insulin that is inhaled, not injected. This insulin is taken before every meal.
Exubera mimics natural insulin. When we eat, our blood sugar level rises and we get a surge of insulin to counter this. Exubera will do the same for a diabetic.
The medication is used through an inhaler. The inhaler is larger than that used for asthma-about the size of a single serving water bottle. However, it does collapse and become purse-sized.

Question: What are some of the benefits of Exubera?

Answer:

• As already mentioned, it more closely mimics actual insulin production.
• There are no needles, which can really be a barrier for some people.
• You are not tied to the clock. Diabetics often have to eat at certain times of the day and take their insulin at certain times. With Exhubera, you use it only when you eat, which allows a great flexibility in lifestyle.

Question: Can anyone with diabetes use Exhubera?

Answer: It's for people with both Type I and Type II diabetes. For those with Type I diabetes, it must be coupled with longer-acting insulin, which you must still inject. This is not the case for Type II diabetes.
There is not yet enough research for those under 18 or for pregnant women to use it yet.
Exubera is really for people who are committed to controlling their blood sugar. The candidate must be following a meal plan, willing to check their sugar four times a day, and have already reached the point where they have integrated the behavioral changes necessary to treat diabetes into their life.

Question: Are there any side effects to the medication?

Answer: It can cause small, non-progressive decline in pulmonary function, which is reversed if one stops taking the medication. Because of this, you cannot smoke while on Exubera (and must have quit for 6 months or longer) and you cannot have pulmonary diseases such as asthma or emphysema.
Those who use Exubera must have their pulmonary function tested before beginning the medication. They are then tested after using it for 6 months, and then on a yearly basis after that.
There's also a possibility of some chest discomfort.
With any insulin, the possibility of low blood sugar is present.

It's time to get exuberant about Exubera. No more needles! For a free fact sheet, or to find out if you are a good candidate for this revolutionary medication, give Akron General a call. My thanks to Betty Budyka.