Fear my Doctor

[Happy dude]

Hello to all members, Following my last 3 monthly diabetic test my diabetic nurse told me that my Kidneys were at stage 3a and that I have to control my Diabetes better.
My new Doctor, having had my results from the nurse, decided that I should have an ultrasound scan on my lower stomach, go to a Nephrology for tests and take two new medications: Linagliptin and after two weeks start taking Lisinoprol. Also wanted me to go on Simvistatin. WOW - Whats happening ?
Within 5 minutes of meeting this new Doctor my whole life is being put into Turbo drive !!!! I refused to take the Simvistatin as back in 2005, due to angina I had to take this drug along with Atenalol and Aspirin. After just a few months I had severe pain in my left leg from groin to ankle and then I lost muscle and fat from my leg. I was in pain for 17 weeks until I was taken off Simvistatin. Now the new Linagliptin has after only two weeks given me the same pain plus blurred vision and swelling of the ankles. I have also found out that The Lisinoprol may interact with my Asprin and cause opposing lowering of my BP.
Would anyone like to swap Doctors ?

 

[lucylocket61]

I tend to ignore some of my doctors suggestions. They cant make us take the pills : )

 

[Rachox]

Hi Happy Dude and welcome to the forum.

I cannot comment on the various medications you have cited as I’m not familiar with them, however in amongst all this has your nurse or dr advised on any changes to your diet to help your blood sugar levels?
Here is a link to our useful info post we give to new members, have a good look at it especially the paragraphs about carbohydrates:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/basic-information-for-newly-diagnosed-diabetics.17088/
Also to mention, you could get a second opinion with a different dr perhaps and remember drs are there to advise not dictate treatments, so do some research and make an informed decision. Let us know how you get on.

 

[ianf0ster]

Hi Happy dude,
Well it is great that you are happy, but if it was me then I wouldn't be happy in your situation.
I used to take Simvastatin way back - it gave me mild muscle pain, but out of 2 other people I knew who took it, both got severe muscle pain. I believe it was notorious in that respect.

Since my Triple Bypass, I had been on 40mg Atorvastatin until my Diabetes Type 2 diagnosis. No muscle pain, but some brain fog which eventually got a little better though still not like before the statin.
Upon Type 2 diagnosis I asked my GP about reducing the Statin dosage since my Lipid figures were good by any measure or ratio used in the NHS. He reluctantly agreed, but quoting that 'you can't have a Cholesterol that is too low!'.
This astonished me, since the brain needs Cholesterol in order to function - so I reminded him that only the dead can have zero cholesterol!

I am not familiar with the drugs you are taking, but I suggest you take a serious look into the truth about a healthy lifestyle/diet, about which Fats really are healthy and about the over 300,000 people who have improved their weight and their Blood Glucose figures using a Low Carb High Fat diet, those who have done the same by various forms of Fasting and those trying the conventional way on a calorie restricted diet.

There is also a good thread about Cholesterol in here.

 

[HSSS]

Not a chance I want your dr, but sadly not that many of us find a gp with great up to date diabetes knowledge. Linagliptan can cause joint pain. It works by making your body produce more insulin. Lisiniprol is to reduce blood pressure I believe.

Has diet been mentioned as a good way to control blood levels? It should be done even if meds are also taken as they are meant to work with diet not instead of.

Can I suggest you take a good look at LCHF ie low carb higher fat (than typically recommended) methods of eating (keto is just a version of this). It helps many of us lose significant amounts of weight, if desired, keep our numbers down and for some even eliminate medications and achieve remission and reduce or improve complications. It can also help with joint pains and high blood pressure and other conditions. Try clicking these links for more detailed explanations that are well worth readings. Please make sure to read the caution about testing and adjusting meds at the end.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/blog/jokalsbeek.401801/ for info including low carb made simple

And https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/success-stories-and-testimonials.43/ to show it really works and for motivation

and https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/what-have-you-eaten-today.75781/ for food ideas

also https://www.dietdoctor.com/ for more food ideas and general info of carb content of foods. Lots of other websites for recipes out there too. Just use the term low carb or keto with whatever you fancy.

Also it’s very important to be able to check for yourself what’s happening so you can make the necessary adjustments day to day and meal by meal rather than wait 3, 6 or even 12 months and then have no idea what had what effect. It also helps keep an eye out that any meds are working appropriately not too much or too little. Getting a blood glucose meter is the only way to do this (no matter what contradictory advice you may have heard - it’s usually budget based rather than anything more scientific). Please ask if you want any guidance on this.

IMPORTANT FOR ANYONE ON MEDS CONSIDERING LOWERING CARBS: if you lower your carbs then any glucose lowering meds or insulin increasing meds may need to be adjusted accordingly to make sure you aren’t taking more than your new diet requires. It can cause a hypo if you have more gliclazide or insulin etc (this is not relevant for metformin on its own) than your new carb intake requires. Keep a close eye on your numbers and do this with your dr’s knowledge. Please don’t be put off by an ill informed out dated rubbishing of low carb diets or being told you should eat carbs to match meds, it should be the other way around.

 

[ianf0ster]

Please don’t be put off by an ill informed out dated rubbishing of low carb diets or being told you should eat carbs to match meds, it should be the other way around.

I just want to emphasize this point. Other members have been told this garbage by their Health Care Professionals.
But when they explain what they are doing and share the results - weight loss and much lower BG levels), then the HCP usually comes around to seeing sense!
Eat to your BG meter, and take medication as require. You should never have to eat more (especially more carbs) just because of your medication, although the 2 things: carbs and medication do need to match!