Gliclazide

Hi

If you look at the NICE guidelines on the web, you'll find that there is a 3rd level of treatment open to you beyond MF and Glic which makes you at the '2nd level' currently. There are various options other than insulin e.g. the glitazones or sitaglitpin which I'm now on. Also alternative injections to insulin (see the Medication section). Interestignly when I suggested I needed to go onto insulin at my last GP appointment my GP said it was a last resort hence I was offered a glitazone or sitagliptin; the latter has certainly reduced my spikes. GPs have a widely varying view of insulin use for type 2s. My understanding and experience with Glic is that it should start working within a few days. If Glic works for you then the advice is to be aware of possible hypos especially after lots of exercise. Glic didn't help me that much hence I've never been near a hypo. Personally I would take more note of the BS level 2 hours after a main meal and not morning readings due to the liver-dump effect. Most GPs tend to go by the HBA1c result which gives a good average measure to determine what level of medication to prescribe

When I had Glic added to my Metformin I saw the benefits within the first week. The downside is the risk of hypos, and this is a very real risk for you especially if you do exercise (I don't!). I now never go anywhere without glucotabs and a muesli bar, and always test before driving, and stop every two hours to retest. Fortunately I'm quite hypo aware... but when I start "going off" it still takes me slightly by surprise, hence the necessary discipline of carrying glucose and testing.