Medication Weight Loss Programs for Diabetics

Diabetic medications and other forms of treatment have both their pros and cons. One of the biggest issues, of course, is the fact that diabetics have to maintain a healthier lifestyle in order to manage their condition. Diet and exercise can help keep diabetes at bay. But the medications can also help the condition better managed.

There are a few medications, of course, that can make losing weight more difficult. These are ones, like anti-seizure medications, that are particularly hazardous to diabetics. When taken too often, they can cause a decrease in the number of insulin receptors in the body and even lead to kidney failure. In the long run, these medications can be fatal.

In the case of diuretics, another potential complication is that of fluid retention. This causes urine to be stored, which can be an early sign of kidney disease. There are also some antidiabetic medications that can affect the liver. To combat this side effect, diuretics are usually taken with insulin, which is another condition that can complicate weight loss.

Medications like phentermine are among the newest medications that are used in the fight against obesity. They work by keeping the central nervous system from excreting a surge of hunger hormones called neuropeptide Y (NPY). If taken for a long enough period of time, these drugs can actually cause a person to lose weight. It's not clear how this happens, but it does, and the short term effects are similar to those of popular appetite suppressants. Some people have even claimed they lose more fat on these meds than they did when taking the medications unsupervised.

Weight loss can be dramatic when medication is used in combination with healthy eating and regular exercise. The problem comes when you do not pay attention to what is really causing the weight gain in the first place. A lifestyle change will usually be necessary to reverse the course of the disease. People who have put on a lot of weight for years without paying attention to their health may be destined to continue the process. That means a lifetime of dieting, exercise, and costly medication.

Of course, there are some side effects that come with medication weight loss plans. Some people end up putting on even more weight once they stop taking the meds. Others report developing kidney stones or developing diabetes directly as a result of their treatment. While the side effects may scare some people off of these medications, rest assured that they are not life threatening. In fact, most of these drugs are prescribed only to people with severe diabetes.

You can choose to use other forms of medication to help with weight loss if you need to. However, they should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, not in place of them. It can be hard to lose weight when you have to constantly monitor your blood sugar levels, which is why you probably want to try other ways to control your diabetes. This is especially important if you have a family history of diabetes.

Your doctor will probably recommend a medication weight loss plan along with some lifestyle changes for your specific case. There are also many online resources available for more information. This is especially true if you are losing a lot of weight due to medication. You can get free, unbiased information on these sites and decide for yourself if these medications are right for you.

Keep in mind that some medications can increase your risk of developing diabetes so it is important to discuss this with your doctor. He or she will be able to customize your medication to counteract these side effects. Keep in mind that you don't have to give up taking the medication, just that you are replacing it with another form of medication.

When searching for a medication weight loss program, you will probably notice that some don't mention any side effects. You need to keep in mind that these are just company marketing tactics. Some of these companies may even have a bigger budget than your insurance company. Be sure to research the company and product before you buy.

Remember, not all diabetics will respond the same way to various medications. You may need to experiment with different forms of medication before you find one that works for you. You don't want to lose your control while losing weight! Try to stick with the low-calorie diabetic medications so you don't add to your medication weight loss program.