Hello. I'm Jan. Please advise.I was diagnosed as Type 2 in 2005.For most if this time my sugars have been under good control ( around 6.0 to 6.4 ( in old money) with the help of Metformin. Due to adverse effects on bowel habits I was transferred to Slow Release version. This has been fine but my levels have gradually increased to around 7.0 /53. Despite efforts to bring this level down via exercise/diet changes it has remained static so I have been asked to consider taking one of the following in addition to my 4 x 500mg SR tablets which I take with my evening meal:
Glipizide:
Pioglitazone:
Linaglipyn:
I have read about the first two but can't find much info. about the third which is relatively new. The side effects all sound horrible!
I would be very grateful to hear anyone's experiences of these medications before I make my decision. Many thanks
Hi. Glipizide is one of the sulfonylureas like Gliclazide which I was on for many years. This may well help the pancreas produce more insulin assuming you are not insulin resistant thru being overweight. It usually has few side effects other than causing hypos if you take too much. Pioglitazone is one of the glitazone group which are now deprecated and has side effects. I was offered it and refused (Google it for info). The last one is one of the gliptin group; I was on Sitagliptin for a few years. It suppresses an enzyme that in turn switches off the pancreas after a meal so the end result is more insulin. It has very few side effects other than quite rare serious ones. If it was me I would consider one of the first or third tablets (or both as I was on!). If you are not overweight the first one might be worth a try first?
I would agree wih Daibell abou the meds . I generally do -he is am expert! Just a though hough, have you considered spliting your metformin dose so that ypu take half i he morning? his made a differnce to me.
Perhaps you have been taking it at ight because of he side effects? If the SR has resoled that problem then you may find it works beter by taking it in wo doses.
should you decide o take any addiional meds your dr will probably recommend chnging anyhow.
Many thanks for your advice. I will certainly discuss the possibility of taking Metformin SL in two doses. It is helpful to hear your personal experience with the various medications I've been asked to consider as my GP
recommended glipizide on my written feedback from last blood test results whilst the diabetic nurse thinks linagliptyn would be better. The first sounds like a safer option to begin with but as I weigh 12 stone would weight gain be a problem? Thanks again for your replies to my first post. Much appreciated.
All that class of drugs can cause weight gain - partly because they can cause excessive hunger. Thats why Daibell said in his post
that it might be best for you to try that first if you were not overweight.
The best advice I can give you is to always listen to Daibell. He is the expert . He not only has the experience but is excellent at
explaining how the drugs work..
The class of drug to which linaglipin belongs does not usually cause weight gain. As these drugs are fairly new the long term side effects are not fully known. but some concerns have been expressed
I found sitaglipin sorted out a problem I had with "spiking" for no reason.
