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Home > Drug Category > Diabetic Medications and Products > Diabeta and Equivalent

Diabeta Information

Diabeta (Glyburide) is primarily used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is typically used alongside diet and exercise to optimize blood glucose control. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn't produce enough to maintain normal glucose levels, leading to dangerous spikes in blood sugar. Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause long-term effects, such as damage to blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs.

Glyburide belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It works in the body by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin, which is primarily responsible for lowering blood glucose. Glyburide not only increases insulin production but also helps the body utilize the released insulin more efficiently. It is imperative to note that this medication is not recommended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. It should also not be used in life-threatening complications of diabetes known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabeta Side Effects

Like all medications, glyburide appears to have a range of possible side effects. Common mild side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, heartburn, fullness, abdominal discomfort, and weight gain.

One of the most common, but potentially dangerous side effects of Diabeta is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can be fatal if not treated promptly. It usually occurs when an individual does not eat adequate food or does excessive exercise while taking the drug. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sudden sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeat, excessive hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, tingling in the hands/feet, headache, confusion, slurred speech, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, unusual weakness, restlessness, and fainting.

Asides from hypoglycemia, Diabeta can also cause other serious side effects. Therefore, stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Bleeding disorders such as bloody nose, bloody urine, coughing of blood, bleeding gums, wounds that won't stop bleeding;
• Infections that involve symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, severe diarrhea, and weight loss;
• Liver problems, which involve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin, yellowness of the eyes, and pale stools;
• Seizures

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Diabeta Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to glyburide, sulfonamides, antibiotics, other sulfonylurea drugs, or any other ingredients in Diabeta, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Anaemia especially due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
• An electrolyte imbalance, such as low sodium in the body
• Hormonal conditions such as a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Nervous system disease, such as neuropathies;
• Thyroid disease

Inform your doctor about your medication use if you are exposed to stressful conditions, such as fever, trauma, infection, or are scheduled for surgery. Your medication regimen may need to be reviewed to maintain adequate blood glucose control, as blood glucose control can deteriorate during stressful situations. Monitor your blood glucose regularly and keep emergency glucose (and a glucagon kit) available in case you need to increase blood sugar levels quickly.

It is recommended not to take alcohol while taking this medication, as it can cause serious side effects. Do not engage in activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you are sure you can perform these tasks safely, as Diabeta may cause reduced alertness. Diabeta is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. It is also not recommended for children under 18. This medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight; limit sun exposure. Also, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.

Some medications, such as beta-blockers, can mask the specific warning signs of dangerously low blood sugar, preventing you from promptly treating it and potentially leading to life-threatening effects of low blood sugar. Certain medications, such as painkillers and blood thinners, can potentiate the effects of glyburide, pushing your sugar too low. Therefore, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider of all medications, including herbal products and supplements, that you are taking before starting Diabeta to prevent drug interactions.

Diabeta is available in dosages of 2.5 milligrams and 5 milligrams. The appropriate dose for each individual depends on age, medical condition, body weight, and response to treatment. So it is imperative to follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and how to use the drug. Diabeta should be taken orally with meals or immediately after breakfast or the first meal of the day. Because low blood glucose is a significant concern with Diabeta, it is recommended that meals be eaten at regular intervals and that meals not be skipped to prevent hypoglycemia. It is also advisable to keep glucose tablets, table sugar, fruit juice, or candy with you at all times to treat low blood glucose if it occurs. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Diabeta?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Diabeta.