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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.

  1. Byetta

    • 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

    • 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.

    Byetta Side Effects

    • 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

    • 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

    • Unlike Byetta, metformin is taken orally.

      Metformin not only helps control weight, but also may reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.

    Metformin Side Effects

    • 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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