Healthy living
Body matters
Monster spit medicine
A new diabetes drug derived from the saliva of the poisonous Gila lizard has been approved by the European Medicines Agency
Byetta (exenatide) is the first in a new class of drugs called 'incretin mimetics' and will be available in the UK from next year.
It helps people with type 2 diabetes gain control over their blood glucose levels by promoting the production of insulin when needed and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver when it is not needed.
In addition Byetta slows down the digestion, thereby decreasing the rate at which glucose is released into the bloodstream.
One big advantage is that, unlike most other drugs for type 2 diabetes, Byetta does not cause weight gain and also appears to help protect the cells in the body that release insulin.
It will be used in conjunction with existing treatments - metformin, and/or sulphonylurea tablets - but has to be injected twice daily which is likely to deter some people who might benefit from taking it.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
- Increased thirst
- Needing to urinate all the time
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Genital itching or thrush
How is it treated?
Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be controlled with lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet, losing excess weight and becoming more physically active, but many people also need drug treatment. Only a minority of people need insulin injections to control their blood glucose levels.
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.