• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Newbie T2 and Gluclazide

Daibell said:
Hi. This is difficult. Yes, Metformin is the standard first med if you are T2. It has a limited effect, is very safe and very few side effects apart from some bowel issues for a while. It mainly works by reducing the glucose output from the liver. Gliclazide is used where it is believed the pancreatic beta cells are under-producing insulin. A C-peptide text would be needed to show how much insulin you are producing. If you have a meter and have frequent BS highs into the teens that would be an indicator. I was on Gliclazide max dose for a few years as a LADA. I would certainly try low-carb to see if you can reduce your weight/BMI a bit and you may not need any meds. I'm not sure how you persuade your GP to prescribe Metformin rather than Gliclazide other than saying you don't want to risk hypos and that most of your diabetic friends take Metformin?
Click to expand...
I started off with an 11.7 ... numbers now between 7-8. Last night got a 4.9 before dinner. Still not taking Glic.
 
VashtiB said:
I agree that 4s are not hypo but I was worried about the poster potentially starting the gliclazide - @JoKalsbeek said it more eloquently and more clearly :)

I am sorry that you feel dismissed by your medical professionals. That is very disheartening.

We can't give medical advice obviously. I understand your worry about whether or not to take the medication and worrying each way. And the kicker is that stress and illness already increase our blood sugar levels (and pain as I can confirm at the moment :( )

If you decide to at least delay taking the medication you could try lowering your carbs and testing and see what that does to your levels- that would allow you to talk to another doctor and ask for some further advice. You may want specific advice on whether the doctor agrees that it would be okay to delay the medication for a period- say 3 months and get another HbA1c. The regular testing gives instant feedback and kept me motivated at first.

Let us know how you plan to go and how your readings are- people here are amazing and very willing to offer support advice and encouragement.

Virtual hug as well just because.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much. Got a 4.9 before diner last night. Levels seem to be between 6-8 before meals generally.
 
AnnM99 said:
Before
Click to expand...

Ah. I wondered whether you were just testing before. It’s important that you test both immediately before and then again 2 hours after the first bite of any meal. The reason for this is that you can then see the impact of the foods you’re eating on your blood glucose and adjust accordingly.

In general you’re looking for a rise of no more than 2mmols at the 2 hour point.
 
Back
Top