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A Little Introduction and also a little confused!

DBolding

DBolding

Active Member
Messages
35
Location
High Wycombe
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi Everyone!

Let me introduce myself, Im Daniel and I was diagnosed with Type 2 Mid March.
My GP started me on diet and Metformin as my Blood Glucose sugars were around 17 fasting and reaching as high as 26 in the evening.

After 4 weeks of these horrible pills!! (I had ALL the side effects!!) increasing them to full strength, 6 x 500mg tablets a day over the 4 weeks, it was clear that they were not doing a thing, wasnt even taking the edge off my levels, I was moved onto Lantus starting with 10 units till today, now at 18 Units (blood glucose still rocketing!!).

I saw the diabetic nurse today, and I told her I would no longer be taking the Metformin, as they didn't like me and I didn't like them, and since they hadn't managed to change anything on my BG where was the point taking them?

She agreed, and prescribed me Gliclazide 4 x 80mg, however when I got home I read the leaflet and it states its not for use with people taking insulin! So now I am at complete loss! would she have given me these by mistake? should I take them? I haven't taken any yet.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Daniel.
 
Metformin isn't capable of lowering blood Glucose by much. You have to do the bulk of the work with diet. Carbs have to be controlled.
Even on Lantus alone, you'll need to control carbs in some way. You could choose from,portion control GI/GL, Reduced carbs, or a combination of those. I'd suggest you try out your choice of carb control for a week and see how you do. Are you testing yourself?
Hana
Ps Exercise is quite helpful too.
 
Hi Hana

Sorry I should of said in my original post, I am already following a low carb diet for the past month, lol. I have believe it or not started exercising, hey I didnt realise I lived on a green belt and its really quite nice, lol :-)

I am no longer on Metformin, but the question is, should I be taking Gliclazide with Lantus?
 
DBolding said:
I am no longer on Metformin, but the question is, should I be taking Gliclazide with Lantus?
Click to expand...


I have found no reason why you should not take Gliclazide and Lantus together, however care needs to be taken to avoid hypoglycaemia, Glic is a hypo inducing drug especially when used with other meds, such as Insulin. You should discuss this with your GP.

Do you have what it actually states in the Patient Information Leaflet you can post and which manufacturer it is ?

Ken
 
Hi

The manufacturer is Actavis

The patient info leaflet states
"These are not for use in Children or in patients with diabetes requiring insulin"

Thats the reason I was a little worried. I have started taking them and havent seen any issue with them as yet, but will speak with the DN this week.
 
We have searched high and low and checked out the EMEA (European Medicines Agency) who authorise the drug and hold the Manufacturers Patient Information Leaflet on record. There is no record of Insulin not to be used with Gliclazide.

It is also not contra-indicated in the BNF59. I too take Gliclazide, made by a different manufacturer. The PIL with that drug, by Sovereign Medical UK does not say that it should not be used with Insulin.
I was almost put on Insulin recently and when this was discussed with my Endo the Gliclazide was to remain at the same dose whilst I would have been on the Insulin.

This is a drug made under licence and the only thing that crossed my mind is that there is a mistake in the printing as it doesn't match all the other information leaflets we have checked out.

In the circumstances I would check this out tomorrow with both the Pharmacist and your GP as there does seem to be a discrepancy here...... :?

Ken.
 
Hi Ken

That is so weird, I didnt even think it could be a miss print on the included leaflet!

I searched the companies name and the drug and it gave me the patient leaflet online, and you know what,it was different!! It has to be a miss print!

Thanks for your help :-)
 
I have recently been precribed insulin once daily (2 weeks ago) and this is in addition to other diabetes medication: metformin (twice daily), piaglitazone (once daily) gliclazide (twice daily).
To date, I have had no adverse reaction to the insulin and tablets, but am monitoring same.
I am also taking medication for COPD/Emphysema (diagnosed 12 months ago) and am struggling to manage this with my diabetes. Must admit my diabetes management took 2nd place to my emphysema and my diabetes became somewhat out of control, but trying to get back on track again.Any other similar sufferers?
By the way, my name is Nigel, have been type 2 diabetic for approx 6 years :?
 
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