Januvia could replace insulin

There is good news for diabetics 8212; a new drug, Januvia, could offer an alternative to insulin, doctors said. Doctors who have been recommending the drug 8212; now that it is available in India 8212; have got good results. 8220;The drug has taken some space for insulin. In some cases instead of insulin this drug may be recommended. The drug has low potential to cause hypoglycemia when prescribed for those who suffer from fluctuating blood sugar levels,8221; said Dr Anoop Misra, Director and Head, Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, Fortis Group of Hospitals.

According to Dr Misra, Januvia is a class of medicine known as incretins, which act via certain pathways that affect glucose metabolism, provide good effectiveness and favorable weight change outcomes for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and may represent an alternative to other hypoglycemic therapies.8220;This drug acts by releasing a hormone called glucagons 8212; like peptide 8212; 1 from the intestines, which further acts on the pancreas and has favorable effects on several other hormones, thus improving metabolism in patients with diabetes,8221; added Dr Misra.