Questions for type II diabetics using oral meds

[vgray77]

I have a few questions for type II diabetics that are taking oral medication in addition to following the Atkins diet to help control blood sugar.

What medications have you taken to control blood sugar?
How effective were they?
What side effects did you experience?

I have taken Glucovance for 7 months and changed to Glucophage for the past week. On Glucovance I had morning highs and frequent lows. With the Glucophage I am having numbers higher than I like, 157 2hrPP and fasting numbers running 103 to 115.

[canuck]

why were you changed, glucophage is better for a II as it helps the liver to not spew out glycogen in middle of night, how much are you on? Do you have a bedtime snack.

[vgray77]

I switched from Glucovance to Glucophage for the reasons stated. I am taking 500 mg of Glucophage twice a day. Yes, I have a snack at night usually cheese.

[sassyone]

How many carbs are you eating per day? I had the same problem as you with highs in the mornings and then crazy lows- like once I woke up in the middle of the night and could hardly get enough strength to test and I was down to 37! Scary! Anyway, I am off meds now. How long have you been on Atkins? If you need to continue on meds, I would take the Glucophage, just because it will never take you too low. Maybe your dosage needs to be changed a bit. Good luck at getting the control you want and need!

[canuck]

Type II according to Atkins and many docs say they only need glucophage or insulin(if tested and not making insulin, stage 6 of diabetes for Type II’s) but not these new drugs to produce more insulin, like what you are on,you make enough on own which is why you have lows then rebound highs, read “mornings can be so frustrating” a sticky above, although its for pumpers it applies to all of us.Perosnally I wouldn’t take what you are on knowing what I know now but that’s between you and your doc, once you are low carbing you may not need any meds so must monitor carefully, Have you read Atkins new Diabetic book, it explains it good and may want to lend your copy to your doc as many are not well educated about diabetes. Educateself as much as you can as you are the Capt of your own Ship and its your body, not your docs body, so get the best treatment possible for it…. Good Luck, Hope you feel better as you plod along, and let us know how you are.

[vgray77]

The Glucophge is starting to work better. I read somewhere that it takes a couple of weeks to reach peak effective. Morning numbers are in the 90's and 2 hr PP is staying under 130.

[canuck]

Goodonya, do you feel better, more energy??/

[fatkitty]

I dont think the glucophage is working for my blood sugar regulation as it should, but I am also taking glipizid. Is glipizid one that make you shell out more insulin?

I have a doc apt on the 13th, going to have my sugars and cholesterol tested again, and I want my family practioner to send me to an endocrinologist to get to the bottom of this.

anyone have any more insight on these two meds? :confused

[Coop2004]

Originally Posted by fatkitty

I dont think the glucophage is working for my blood sugar regulation as it should, but I am also taking glipizid. Is glipizid one that make you shell out more insulin?

I have a doc apt on the 13th, going to have my sugars and cholesterol tested again, and I want my family practioner to send me to an endocrinologist to get to the bottom of this.

anyone have any more insight on these two meds? :confused

The following info is from Atkins Diabetes Revolution (Pg 444):

Sulfonylureas: A group of oral medications used to treat diabetes by helping the pancreas secrete more insulin. Glipizide (a.k.a. Glucotrol) is among this group of medications.

Metformin (aka Glucophage): An oral drug used primarily for treating Type 2 diabetes; it reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.

Hope this helps!!

Linda (Coop)

[canuck]

fatkitty, i think you need to read Dr Atkins Diabetic revolution and Bernstiens book prior to seeing your doc so you are aware of all issues and can ask questions.Otherwise they will bamboozle you with all the old methods of trtment.