NEW DRUG

The F.D.A. has recently approved a new drug, which is a combination of two diabetes drugs, pioglitazone (Actos), and glilmepiride ( Amaryl ). The new drug is called Duetact and is planned to be available by prescription later this year.

It will be taken once a day with your first daily meal and will come in three strengths. Both of those drugs lower blood sugar but each works differently with different active ingredients.

This drug will/can have some very serious side effects including heart failure and liver problems, which will be even more deadly when used by people who are taking the drug in lieu of a proper diet and exercise with insulin.

I cannot stress often enough that the first line of treatment and the most important line of treatment is proper diet and exercise.