**Understanding Diabetes**
Diabetes is a medical condition that many people, upon diagnosis, try to learn about thoroughly, including how to manage it. Essentially, there are two main treatments for diabetes: injecting synthetic insulin into the bloodstream or taking medication that boosts the production of beta cells in the pancreas. To grasp these treatments fully, it’s helpful to understand the basic biology of diabetes first.
**What is Diabetes?**
Diabetes occurs when the body has an unusually high blood sugar level due to a deficiency in blood sugar-regulating enzymes, primarily insulin. Insulin is produced by beta cells in the pancreas. If the pancreas is damaged, it can’t produce enough insulin, leading to diabetes.
Diabetes is divided into two types, based on the degree of pancreatic damage: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes happens when the beta cells are completely destroyed, making the patient entirely dependent on external insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes occurs when only some beta cells are destroyed, resulting in decreased insulin levels but not a complete absence.
Thanks to significant research by large pharmaceutical companies, medications like Januvia have been developed. These drugs can stimulate the body to generate new beta cells. With new, active beta cells, the body can produce its own insulin, reducing the need for external insulin.
However, these medications can have serious side effects, sometimes leading to severe conditions or even death. For example, Januvia has been linked to pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and bile duct cancer. Other common but less severe side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, runny nose, headache, and stomach upset.
**Legal Help and Drug Lawsuits**
Given the potential life-threatening side effects of these drugs, some diabetic patients may consider filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers, particularly if the company failed to adequately warn users about the risks. Manufacturers should provide clear information about all the benefits, drawbacks, and dangers associated with their drugs.
Patients might need a skilled lawyer to help them seek compensation for the damages caused by these medications. An experienced lawyer can ensure that the patient receives the full amount they deserve for the harm caused by the drug.