Since the beginning of this site I have recommended good dietary practices for controlling blood glucose associated with type 2 diabetes. I feel it is better to use diet instead of drugs whereever possible. This is supported by the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study conducted by the National Institute of Health. http://www.niddk.nih.gov/patient/dpp/dppos.htm

After 2.8 years in the study, the incidence of diabetes in the placebo group was 11 per 100 people. In the metformin group, the incidence was only 7.8 per 100 people. But the diet/lifestyle group had the best results of all: only 4.8 of every 100 developed diabetes. In other words, diet and exercise were 38% more effective than metformin in preventing diabetes in high-risk people. Other studies have shown that reducing weight and increasing exercise improves ovulation rates and reduces male hormone levels. There's no question that healthy diet, exercise and lifestyle habits will significantly improve PCOS-related health problems, as well as reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Note: Since the study was conducted there have been numerous studies published with better diet and lifestyle improvements that were not available or used during the study. I have tried to keep the site updated with the best and most recent information.

During the 3 years I have been researching and writing for my websites there have been other warnings about the drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes. There have been some notable warnings including the diabetes drug Avandia, Prilosec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole), the pain drug Vioxx and now a warning about Byetta.

Byetta, a drug used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes has been linked to serious, life-threatening side effects including acute hemorrhagic and/or necrotizing pancreatitis.

IMPORTANT: There are no signs or symptoms that distinguish acute hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis associated with Byetta from the less severe form of pancreatitis.

If you or a loved one have developed pancreatitis while taking Byetta, you should contact Schmit&Clark  immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and they can help.

Breaking News - First Byetta Lawsuit Filed

AMYLIN PHARMACEUTICALS DIABETES DRUG BYETTA® THE FOCUS OF CALIFORNIA LAWSUIT - (8/19/08) A Virginia man yesterday filed what is believed to be the first personal injury lawsuit stemming from injuries associated with the use of Byetta®, an injectable medication for diabetes.

Urgent FDA Byetta Pancreatitis Update

As of 8/18/2008, the FDA has reviewed 30 postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis in patients taking Byetta. Of the most recent 6 cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, all patients required hospitalization, two patients died and four patients were recovering at time of reporting.

What's the Problem?

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued two Healthcare Alerts (10/2007 & 08/2008) linking approximately 30 cases of acute pancreatitis in patients taking Byetta.

Recently, the FDA has told healthcare professionals to advise patients taking Byetta to seek emergency medical services if they begin to experience unexplained persistent severe abdominal pain which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. This could be a sign of acute pancreatitis.

In addition, the FDA has recently requested that the manufacturer of Byetta, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to add stronger and more prominent warnings in the product label about the risk of acute hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis.

Byetta Overview - Signs & Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis

Byetta is a medicine given by injection to help treat adults with type 2 diabetes.  Commonly reported side effects of Byetta include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion and upper abdominal discomfort.  However, the presence of unexplained, severe abdominal pain, with or without nausea and vomiting, raises the suspicion of acute pancreatitis, a potentially serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Therefore, patients taking Byetta should promptly seek medical care if they experience unexplained severe abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting.