Byetta is the first of a new class of drugs available for Type 2 diabetes management. It's not used for Type 1. It's been on the market for about a year. It is meant to be a supplemental drug, used in conjunction with Metformin or sulfonylureas or a combination of both to help improve glycemic control in people who have had trouble maintaining good blood glucose levels.
Byetta or Exenatide, as it is known, generically, is a synthetic version of Exendin-4, a hormone found in the saliva of the Gila monster, a poisonous lizard that lives in the American Southwest. Scientists noticed that Gila monsters go for long periods of time without eating. When they are fasting, their pancreas is literally "turned off". When they do eat, they excrete Exendin-4 which flips the switch on the pancreas, turning it back on to help digest the meal.
It works like a gut hormone that is found in humans, GLP-1, or Glucagon-like peptide-1. It helps trigger insulin to be produced in the pancreas. It also slows digestion, which in turn, helps slow the amount of glucose that's released into the blood. It also helps you feel full longer, causing a decrease in appetite. This can help with weight loss in Type 2 patients who are overweight.
Byetta is injected subcutaneously twice a day. It should be injected within an hour of eating breakfast and dinner. It's important to inject Byetta before a meal. It is not as effective if injected after eating. It usually comes in a prefilled dosing pen. It is not meant to be used alone. It is prescribed with oral medications such as metformin, chlorpropamide, glipizide, or glyburide. It works differently in the body than oral meds and helps the body lower blood glucose more effectively.
Byetta is not a substitute for injectable insulin. It can't be used in Type 1 diabetes. Since it stimulates insulin production in the pancreas, it's not suitable for Type 1. There is little to no natural insulin production associated with Type 1 because the islet cells that make insulin have been destroyed. Byetta is also not used to treat excessively high blood glucose levels.
Like any medication, there are side effects that some people may experience. Nausea and vomiting, upset stomach, and diarrhea are side effects that can affect some people when first starting Byetta. These side effects usually subside with continued use. You may notice that you feel anxious or jumpy, your appetite may be less and you may lose some weight. If you experience side effects, or if you have any allergic reactions to Byetta, please call your healthcare provider.
Hypoglycemia may occur when Byetta is first added to your other medications. Check your blood sugar often during this time. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include: feeling nervous, shaky, dizzy, lightheaded, sleepy or hungry. You may be confused, sweaty, or have difficulty speaking or walking. Call your healthcare provider if you experience hypoglycemia while on Byetta. Your medications may have to be adjusted.
