Exubera Uses for Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is sometimes called adult-onset
diabetes or non-
insulin-dependent diabetes. The condition is common -- much more common than
type 1 diabetes. The cause is not fully understood, although it is known that obesity and genetics play an important role.
Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes are not able to produce enough insulin in the
pancreas. The problem is that the cells of the body do not respond to insulin as well as they normally should. As a result, they do not remove sugar (glucose) from the blood very well. This is why people with type 2 diabetes have high blood sugar.
Over time, high blood sugar (whether from type 1 or type 2 diabetes) can lead to a number of problems, including
diabetic impotence,
diabetic neuropathy, kidney failure, and
heart disease (see Diabetes Complications). Eventually, the pancreas may also become damaged from having to produce so much insulin over a long period of time. When this happens, people need to take insulin, as the pancreas can no longer produce enough of it.
For type 2 diabetes (as with type 1),
Exubera is used just before meals to control blood sugar after eating. The drug is approved for use alone or with longer-acting insulins or oral
diabetes medications. Although Exubera can replace insulin injections at mealtime, it does not eliminate the need for blood sugar testing.
A balanced treatment plan for type 1 or type 2 diabetes should include a diet and exercise plan
(see Diabetic Diet and Diabetes and Exercise). Discuss any dietary or exercise changes you should make with your healthcare provider.
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