Looking to share info & experiences

Diseases & Conditions Diabetes
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Hi all. My name is Vicki. I am married to Keith who has suffered type 2 diabetes for about 4 years. He has recently lost control of his BS. His mental state as well as physical gone somewhat down. sad He was on metformin to help control his BS, but about 6 weeks ago his BS just wouldn't seem to come down. Even in the mornings it would be high. The GP said he was 1 point away from needing insulin, but wanted to try glicazide for a month. This started last week and we have had varying reactions. Some days it brings his BS down, others it makes them plummet then sharply rise again, others it does nothing. Keith had a check up today with the diabetic nurse and Dr, who have put him back on his metformin X3 a day plus 1 of the glicazide. Has anyone has experience of glicazide?
 
May I also ask, when Keith's sugars go really high, he goes "out of it" mentally. Without sounding rude its like talking to someone with alzheimers. He remembers nothing, he does strange things like watch his hands, his tongue seems to swell, sometimes he will convulse and almost pass out. I know this seems dramatic, but I rang for an ambulance on Saturday night as he had a really bad turn, they took him to A&E and the Dr said his tablets should bring his BS down and sent him home! confused   I was amazed.
 
Sorry its a long intro, but its only recently we have really investigated diabetes, we have always lived by trying to eat a fairly well balanced diet, moderate exercise and hoping the pills work! I have taken it upon myself to try and find out as much as I can to help him. He has been feeling so poorly for ages and I now believe its all related to the diabetes.
 
I look forward to chatting and sharing stories with you all. Vicki. :-)
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Hi Vicki

The first thing you and Keith have to do is ask your GP for a referral to an Endocrinologist.  These guys/gals specialize in diabetes and they will give you much better advice than your GP.  Insulin is the drug of last resort for a type two and Keith is probably a long way from that.

Read Jeannie143's post on Type2 Meds.  It has lots of information on glicazide and other drugs.  I take "glipazide" as well as metformin.  I also take avandia, another very powerful drug to break down my insulin resistence.  The point being, there are many combinations of oral meds Keith can try to get back on track.  There is also BYETTA, a new injectible you use with or sometimes in place of your metformin that has all kinds of advantages.  You should talk over these choices with an Endo specialist after reading here and becoming informed. Type2 Meds

Also it is very important that if Keith has become a semi couch potato and let his physical activity slip he should get out and do something to get back in shape...this helps both the mental and the diabetes enormously.

In any event, failing with metformin is something many of us have experienced and it just happens over time.  What happens is you need to add more oral meds.

scool Warren

PS - if you dont' have a blood glucose monitor, buy one and use it!

PPS - Metformin is usually only prescribed for X2 a day so check your dosages...Max should be 2000mg / day

Post Edited (Warren) : 1/11/2006 4:44:31 PM (GMT-7)

3
Vicki,
I have been diagnosed as diabetic for 11 years and just started insulin (Lantus, 12 to 15 units at bedtime) last April.My sugars were not responding well to oral meds and exercise so my doc said let's try this new insulin. It has brought me great control of my sugars, helped me control my appetite and I've actually started to lose weight for the first time in my life without really striving to do so.

If your sweetie does have to go on insulin it's not the 'last resort' that it used to be. Actually it's brought my sugars in line and that is the bottom line. Tell your hubby it's easier than shaving. For me, it's easier than putting on my mascarra... actually it's easier than testing my blood sugar!

Good luck to you both and come back often to learn and help others. The more we share the better we are at handling this disease.

~ Jeannie

"As one goes through life one learns if you don't paddle your own canoe you don't move."
-Katherine Hepburn

"Madness takes its toll.
Please have exact change."

4

I appologize for that, Jeannie is right.  Im a type 2 diabetic that reached a point where I'd maxed on my oral meds and was prescribed the same insulin that Jeannie is talking about - - it literally brought me back from the brink.  It was easy once a day no fuss solution that didn't hurt a bit. 

scool Warren