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Byetta (exenatide) is an alternative treatment to insulin injection used in managing type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, the medication is a synthetic version of a protein originally discovered in the saliva of venomous Gila monster lizards.

The treatment helps control blood sugar levels in three ways:

• Promotes insulin secretion by the pancreas;
• Inhibits glucose production by the liver;
• Slows glucose absorption in the gut.

Byetta is not a replacement for insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes or patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Using Byetta Effectively

The medication comes in single-use, disposable pens. It may be used as a stand-alone treatment, but is also often used with other diabetes medications. Treatment is similar in both cases:

• Patients are usually started on 5 mcg twice a day, at least 6 hours apart, for one month.
• After one month, the daily dose may be increased to 10 mcg per day.
• It should be taken within 60 minutes before a meal; it should not be taken after a meal.
• Injections should be administered in the stomach, upper thighs or upper arms.
• Future injections may be given in the same general area but not in the exact same spot every time.

Treatment is typically started at lower doses to reduce unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, gas and so forth. As the body adjusts to treatment these effects become both less frequent and less severe.

For best results patients are usually encouraged to adopt dietary changes and participate in regular exercise in addition to treatment.

Throughout treatment blood sugar should be carefully monitored to ensure the medication is working.

Adverse Reactions

As mentioned above, Byetta can produce unpleasant, but not dangerous, gastrointestinal problems; these usually occur only at the start of treatment and are not cause for concern unless persistent or severe. Some individuals also experience headache, jitteriness, acid reflux and loss of appetite.

Less frequently more serious side effects may develop:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) - particularly if taking other medications which reduce blood sugar, including insulin;
• Kidney issues - especially when there are preexisting problems with the kidneys;
• Interactions with other medications - other medications should be taken at least one hour before or after Byetta;
• Birth Control - Byetta may reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control pills for as long as treatment continues;
• Pancreatitis - patients with a history of pancreas issues, gallstones or alcoholism should discuss risks with a doctor before use.

Warning signs which call for immediate medical attention include:

• Severe pain in abdomen, particularly in the upper-right
• Stomach pain that radiates to the back
• Difficulty breathing or urinating
• Blood in feces or vomit
• Extreme hunger, weakness, dizziness or confusion (hypoglycemia)
• Severe headache
• Rapid heart rate

Regular doctor checkups can help screen for developing adverse effects that might otherwise go unnoticed until severe; untreated complications involving the pancreas, kidneys or other major organs can lead to the need for transplants or even death.

It is unknown if the medication harms unborn babies; pregnant women should discuss potential risks with a doctor.

Byetta & Weight Loss

Some patients experience significant weight loss while taking Byetta, particularly those who are also taking metformin. The exact mechanism behind the weight loss is unclear; Byetta slows the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, which may result in patients feeling satiated longer and lead to eating less.

Many individuals with diabetes benefit from losing weight, making it a beneficial side effect of an otherwise-necessary treatment. Those without type 2 diabetes should carefully consider risks before using this medication as a weight-loss aid; there are many other options available which are considerably less likely to produce dangerous side effects.