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Diabetes sufferers in Bahrain now have the chance of new drug treatment which helps stimulate the body to secrete more insulin.
Sitagliptin is aimed at people with Type 2 diabetes and is the first of a new category of medication.
Dr Wiam Hussein, consultant endocrinologist at the Joslin Diabetes Centre, explained: "This novel drug works by a new mechanism targeting an increase in the natural gut hormone GLP1 and GIP (incretin hormones) that activates the pancreas to secrete more insulin based on the glucose levels in the blood
"Sitagliptin has also been shown to provide a 24-hour glucose response at mealtime, between meals, and overnight. The tablets are available in 25-, 50-, and 100-mg strengths.
"It can be used alone or in combination with other medications when the other drugs alone provide inadequate glucose control. These agents serve to increase the body's active hormone levels, which trigger the pancreas to increase insulin and signal the liver to stop glucose production."
The drug is taken once daily and it is recommended that kidney function be assessed prior to starting the therapy.
Sitagliptin, however, should not be used in patients with Type 1 diabetes, children, or pregnant women and caution should be exercised with the use of it by nursing women.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin - a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles and the growing number of sufferers in the Middle East has resulted in a number of health initiatives.
