What sort of difference should Gliclazide make?

[FurryCub]

Hi,

Diagnosed at start of November and started on Metformin. However it didn't agree with me at all. So moved onto Glicazide 4 weeks later. Initially 80mg but still had readings pre food above 10mmols, not sure what the average was, maybe 8ish.. Raised to 160mg a week ago. But still getting readings over 10, average of 7.7. Best reading was 4.8 after a heavy rugby training session and skipping lunch.
I'm concerned that as meds have been increased I should see a bigger difference, but it seems like if I didn't take the meds into account they would be increasing slowly over the last couple of months.
I've been waiting for 4 weeks for the results of a GAD test.
Dr said he wasn't concerned about after food levels, but obviously they are higher than pre food. He's also brought the hba1c test forward to see how things are going.
I'm currently getting between 6.5 & 7.7 morning readings. Was diagnosed at 12.4 & 11.6. So something is helping I think.
And I've cut out sugar and trying to low carb.
So, my question is, should I be seeing lower bg levels now after taking the gliclazide & lowering carbs or does it take a while to take affect, or are my levels ok and I'm worrying about nothing?

Cub

 

[hanadr]

It may take a short while to settle down. Gliclazide tends to work quite fast. Try keeping a food diary including portion sizes and see if your carb levels are as low as you think they are.
Hana

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Looks like your GP suspects you might be a late onset Type 1 (LADA) having given you a GAD test. Are you fairly young and not overweight? Metformin is at it's best for those who are overweight and insulin resistant whereas Gliclazide is used where the pancreas is failing as it does with LADA. Were you on Metformin SR (Slow Release) which is kinder on the stomach. Both drugs should show some effect within a week or so. Gliclazide can only work where the islet cells still exist i.e. it prods those to produce more insulin; mine are knackered so it has little effect on me. I think all you can do is keep the carbs below 150'ish gm/day and await the GAD result. If it's positive then tablets may help for a while and then I'm afraid it's onto insulin. BTW don't bother to test in the morning as the overnight liver dump will affect the result. Test 2 hours after a typical meal and you are looking to get below 8.5'ish if possible. Your levels do appear to be a bit on the high side so you are right to be measuring from time to time.

 

[Osidge]

Hi Cub

If you are only able to produce little insulin then the gliclazide will not have the effect that it does for those who are able to produce sufficient insulin. The GAD test should let you know in which camp you fall. Hopefully the result should be with your doc soon. Meanwhile, take care with your diet and, this bear's advice, keep in contact with your surgery to make sure you get to know the GAD result as soon as possible.

Take care

Doug