Sitagliptin and Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. For people without
diabetes, HbA1c results are usually less than 6 percent, while people with diabetes usually have higher results. In one study, people taking sitagliptin lowered their HbA1c by 0.6 percent on average, while people not taking the drug increased their HbA1c by 0.2 percent.
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes problems such as
heart disease,
diabetic retinopathy,
diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. By getting blood sugar levels under control with sitagliptin, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing these diabetes-related complications.
Sitagliptin and Blood Sugar Levels
In studies, sitagliptin lowered fasting blood sugar levels by 13 mg/dL on average. It also lowered postprandial blood sugar (blood sugar after a meal) by 49 mg/dL on average.
When and How to Take Sitagliptin
General considerations for when and how to take sitagliptin include the following:
- Sitagliptin comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once a day.
- The medication can be taken with or without food. If sitagliptin bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Sitagliptin should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Sitagliptin will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosage Information for Sitagliptin
The dose of sitagliptin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your diabetes is controlled
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your sitagliptin dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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