What Is Sitagliptin Used For? (Cont.)

Sitagliptin as Part of Diabetes Treatment

The main goal of any diabetes treatment is to lower your blood sugar levels, as measured by your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), enough to reduce your risk of developing problems related to diabetes (see Diabetes Complications).
 
Any treatment for type 2 diabetes typically begins with lifestyle changes (weight loss, a diabetic diet, and exercise). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in managing diabetes, medication such as sitagliptin may be necessary. Some diabetes drugs force the pancreas to produce more insulin, regardless of blood sugar levels (see Januvia Alternatives). These medications are effective, but can cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Because sitagliptin increases insulin only in response to high blood sugar, the risk of dangerously low blood sugar is low with sitagliptin (see Januvia and Blood Sugar).
 
In some people, it may be necessary to combine sitagliptin with other diabetes medicines. Sitagliptin is approved for use in combination with metformin (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, Riomet®), rosiglitazone (Avandia®), and pioglitazone (Actos®).
 
The following eMedTV articles provide more information about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices:
 

Is Sitagliptin Used for Children?

Sitagliptin has not been adequately studied in children. Ask your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children with type 2 diabetes.
 
(What Is Sitagliptin Used For? Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;