Welchol (Colesevelam) for Diabetes

Overview
Welchol is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Welchol is usually combined with another drug such as Metformin, a sulfonylurea, or an insulin. Welchol is considered an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise. Welchol is also referred to by its drug name, Colesevelam.

Welchol is a bile acid sequestrant. Welchol is also a cholesterol-lowering medication. It is not understood how Welchol works to lower blood glucose levels.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Welchol is generally taken once or twice a day with meals.

Welchol comes as a tablet or an oral suspension.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Welchol lists common side effects including constipation, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), nausea, and upset stomach.