Type 2 Diabetes Medications & Weight Loss: Understanding the Connection

There are several medications on the market today that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have shown that some of these medications can have a interesting side effect: weight loss.

Byetta

• Byetta is taken by injection twice daily.

  Exenatide, known by the brand-name Byetta, has produced weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. Doctors are still unsure why this happens.

Benefits of Byetta

• Byetta controls blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.

  In addition to promoting weight loss, Byetta helps control blood sugar. It is taken by injection.

Byetta Side Effects

• Byetta does have side effects, including headache.

  Side effects of Byetta include nausea, headache and dizziness. It has caused kidney problems in rare instances.

Metformin

• Metformin is a diabetes treatment somtimes prescribed for weight loss.

  Metformin is a diabetes treatment that goes by several names, including Fortamet and Glucophage. It is sometimes prescribed for weight loss, though it is not FDA approved for weight loss.

Benefits of Metformin

• Unlike Byetta, metformin is taken orally.

  Metformin not only helps control weight, but also may reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.

Metformin Side Effects

• Metformin may cause nausea and diarrhea.

  Like Byetta, metformin may cause nausea. It may also cause diarrhea and, on rare occasions, dangerous levels of lactic acid buildup.