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HISTORY:  Frederick Banting (who was an orthopedic surgeon), Charles Best, James Collip, and John Macleod are credited with the monumental discovery of insulin at the University of Toronto in 1922.  The discovery was followed shortly after by the successful large-scale production of insulin in 1923 by the USA company...

Health benefits occur with just a 5% weight loss; however most patients need to lose a greater percentage. A 5-7% weight loss provides beneficial effects for reduction of heart disease, cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus. More than a 30% weight loss goal usually requires bariatric surgery. A 15%...

Since the first line treatment of Type-2 diabetes is lifestyle modification (diet and exercise) let’s discuss the benefits of exercise this week. Obesity is now killing triple the number of people who die from malnutrition as it claims more than three million lives a year worldwide, according to a...

We are all familiar with Metformin (Glucophage) knowing it is the first drug prescribed for our Type-2 Diabetic (T2DM) patients.  As we are all aware, rarely is this monotherapy effective unless our patient makes the necessary lifestyle modifications.  Most references show that only 7% of T2DM patients will make...

There are eight different organ systems that can affect blood sugars.  Researchers have developed drugs that address all eight of these systems.  Your Thompson Pharmacist knows all of the drugs and their end effects on you.  Here are three less commonly used drugs for the management of Type-2 Diabetes...

SGLT2 inhibitors are another class of drugs that get a lot of advertising on TV.  The morning shows are full of Jardiance and Farxiga commercials. One thing you won’t learn from the commercial, these medications although are very effective, they are rather expensive. HOW they work: First off they...

How they work: mimics natural physiology to provide self-regulating glycemic control by enhancing insulin secretion only in the presence of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).  GLP-1 stimulates the pancreas to INCREASE insulin and DECREASE glucagon secretion. Insulin secretion decreases as blood glucose concentrations approach normal. Brand Name Generic Manufacturer Year...

DPP4  INHIBITORS— not very potent and very expensive! Incretins that we naturally produce blunt glucagon release (which raises blood sugars)  and stimulate insulin release when blood sugars are elevated.  Incretins, released in response to a meal, also slow digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. We have an enzyme...

THIAZOLIDINEDIONES (“glitazones”) (“TZD’s”) Troglitazone (Rezulin) – removed from market in late 90’s due to drug induced hepatitis. Pioglitazone (Actos)-Available strengths= 15, 30 and 45mg (available generically rather inexpensive) Rosiglitazone (Avandia)= available strengths= 2,4,8mg Mechanism of TZD’s: work by increasing insulin sensitivity in fat and muscle tissue. main action occurs...