Straits Times reported 7 May that a new class of diabetes drugs - described by one doctor as 'intelligent' because it would adapt to sugar levels – would go on sale that day. It worked only when blood sugar levels were high, and would not cause weight gain. Called Januvia, the drug does not cause excessively low sugar levels, or hypoglycaemia, which is a serious problem faced by older diabetics. And unlike several existing diabetes drugs, it woudoes not cause patients to gain weight. This is a big plus as obesity increases the risk of diabetes. Januvia costs $3.50 - about the price of other branded diabetes drugs, but much more than generic ones. It may prove a boon to older diabetics who are sensitive to medication and whose blood sugar levels can swing from one extreme to the other.
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