Diabetes affects millions of people around the world. This chronic condition causes elevated blood sugar levels that can lead to serious complications if not managed correctly. An important part of properly managing your diabetes is medication. Luckily, you have a variety of options available to help control blood glucose levels.
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Jardiance, a prescription drug that has recently become popular, is one such example. It has proved to be effective in managing Type 2 diabetes and has additional benefits for heart health.
Let’s take a look at Jardiance, its usage, benefits, side effects, and how it will complement your diabetes management plan.
What is Jardiance?
Empagliflozin is an oral antidiabetic medication used to help manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. One of the most popular brands for this medication is Jardiance.
Empagliflozin works by blocking the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) in the kidneys, which encourages the body to remove excess glucose through urine instead of reabsorbing it into the bloodstream. This unique biological activity sets Jardiance apart from many other diabetes medications, which focus solely on insulin production or sensitivity.
In 2014, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved Jardiance for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In 2021, it was also approved for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, further highlighting its benefits beyond blood sugar control. Its approval was based on numerous clinical trials showing that it not only lowers blood sugar but also has positive effects on cardiovascular health.
For individuals looking to reduce the financial burden of diabetes treatment, options like Jardiance coupons are available. These coupons can reduce out-of-pocket costs and make diabetes management more accessible, making it easier to stick with treatment plans.
Benefits of Using Jardiance
For those managing type 2 diabetes, Jardiance offers many benefits. The main benefit is its ability to lower blood sugar levels by preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. This helps people with diabetes control their blood glucose levels better and reduces the need for insulin.
Another significant benefit of Jardiance is its positive impact on heart health. For individuals with Type 2 diabetes who are at risk of cardiovascular disease, Jardiance can help lower the chances of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. Clinical studies have demonstrated that this medication can lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and improve overall cardiovascular function in individuals with diabetes and heart disease.
Finally, Jardiance has shown protective benefits for kidney health. Since chronic kidney disease is a common issue for people with diabetes, Jardiance can help slow its progression by reducing albuminuria—a condition where too much protein passes into the urine. By supporting better kidney function, Jardiance helps reduce the risk of further complications tied to diabetes.
How to Use Jardiance
Jardiance is a pill that is typically taken once a day. It’s available in two doses, 10mg or 25mg. The recommended starting dose is usually 10 mg per day, although doctors may increase the dose to 25 mg depending on the patient’s response to the medication and any potential side effects. It’s usually taken in the morning with or without food. Taking the drug at the same time each day helps establish a routine and ensures that it works effectively.
While Jardiance is effective on its own, it’s often used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as metformin or insulin. Patients need to follow their doctor’s instructions carefully, especially when using multiple medications, as adjustments may be necessary to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Along with taking Jardiance, patients should keep track of their blood sugar levels to see how well the medication is working. This can be done with at-home glucose testing or during visits to a healthcare provider. Making changes to diet, staying active, and adopting other healthy lifestyle habits can also enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Like all medications, Jardiance comes with potential side effects. The most common side effects are related to the increased urination caused by the drug’s mechanism of action. Some people may experience urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can result from frequent urination. Dehydration is another concern, as the body loses more fluids through urine, and this can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly.
While rare, serious side effects can happen with Jardiance. One of the more severe is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a condition where the body produces dangerously high levels of ketones. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening. Symptoms of DKA include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and trouble breathing. If you’re taking Jardiance and notice any of these signs, it’s important to get medical help right away.
Conclusion
Jardiance is a highly effective option for managing Type 2 diabetes, providing benefits like better blood sugar control, improved heart health, weight loss, and kidney protection. However, like any medication, it’s important to use Jardiance under the guidance of a healthcare provider to achieve the best results. By pairing Jardiance with other treatments, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, and regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, people with diabetes can take meaningful steps toward living healthier, more fulfilling lives.
