Byetta is used to treat people with type 2 diabetes. Byetta is an injectable drug that helps to lower blood sugar levels in a way that does not promote weight gain.

Whilst Byetta is injected, it is not insulin, but is a drug in the class of diabetic drugs called incretin mimetics. Byetta was the first incretin mimetic drug to be approved for treating type 2 diabetes.

Byetta works by increasing the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, reducing the action of glucagon (the hormone which raises blood sugar levels) and slowing the absorption of glucose from the gut. Together, these actions lower blood sugar levels and serve to reduce appetite. Byetta, as do the other incretin mimetic drugs, have an advantage over a number of other diabetes drugs in that it helps people achieve weight loss. Byetta is taken by subcutaneous injection twice per day, usually an hour before breakfast and dinner.Doses are typically injected into the thigh, abdomen or upper arm.

Side Effects: nausea; vomiting; diarrhoea; headache; nervousness and stomach pain.