What is Pramlintide And When is It Used?

— -- Question: What is pramlintide and when is it used?

Answer: Pramlitide is a synthetic version of the hormone amylin, which is produced in the pancreas from the same cells that make insulin. It's been deficient in all patients who have insulin deficiency as they've developed diabetes, but only recently has this synthetic version come to the market under the trade name of Symlin. People who take it, often take it together with insulin before each meal; it's taken by a separate injection. It has some side effects, with some people becoming a little bit nauseated, but is generally well-tolerated. One of its major beneficial effects, that is sort of a side effect, is that it causes weight loss, and actually a form of pramlintide is being looked at a potential weight loss treatment, in and of itself.

Next: What Is The Role Of Kidney Transplantation In The Treatment Of Diabetes?

Previous: What Is Exenatide And When Is It Used?