A Guide to Nesina: Benefits of Using it to Treat Type 2 Diabetes
Benefits of Nesina. Nesina, manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, is among the most popular diabetes medications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved using Nesina in January 2013 after 14 clinical trials. It has demonstrated high efficacy in treating type 2 diabetes, with reductions in HbA1c of 0.4% to 0.6% after 26 weeks of research involving 8,500 patients. Let’s explore the benefits of Nesina in stabilizing blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes-related complications.
What is Nesina?
Nesina, also known as alogliptin, is an oral antidiabetic drug for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to a class of medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Its primary function is to improve blood glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Nesina works by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4, which breaks down incretin hormones like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide). Nesina should be used in conjunction with a proper diet and regular exercise to obtain optimal blood sugar control.
What are the benefits of taking Nesina?
The primary benefits of using Nesina to treat type 2 diabetes include:
Improves blood glucose control
Nesina helps lower blood glucose levels by inhibiting DPP-4, an enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP). These hormones regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon release.
Reduces hemoglobin A1c levels
By improving glycemic control, Nesina can reduce hemoglobin A1c levels. Hemoglobin A1c measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, and lowering it helps reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Promotes weight neutrality
DPP-4 inhibitors, including Nesina, are generally considered weight-neutral, meaning they are less likely to cause weight changes. By blocking DPP-4 and increasing GLP-1 levels, Nesina may have a beneficial effect on appetite regulation. GLP-1 has been associated with increased feelings of satiety and decreased appetite, potentially leading to reduced food intake and less weight gain.
Does not potentially cause hypoglycemia
Nesina, when used as a monotherapy or in combination with certain medications, has a low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), an essential consideration in diabetes management. Nesina’s action on GLP-1 also helps to suppress glucagon secretion from the pancreas. However, it does not cause a significant decrease in glucagon levels, which is vital to prevent hypoglycemia.
Prevents complications like diabetic nephropathy
Taking Nesina slows the progression of diabetic nephropathy, a common diabetes complication and the leading cause of chronic kidney disease.
Benefits cardiovascular health
Studies have suggested potential cardiovascular benefits with the use of Nesina. These benefits include the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular conditions in type 2 diabetes patients with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, Nesina has shown positive effects on blood pressure regulation, reducing inflammation in blood vessels, and improving endothelial functions.
Renal Protection
Taking Nesina has been found to slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy, which is a common complication of diabetes and a leading cause of chronic kidney disease.
It’s important to note that the benefits and effectiveness of Nesina may vary from person to person, and the individual responses to Nesina may differ. Always talk to your healthcare professional before taking this medication.
