sulfonylureas

[eddiemcm]

Hi
I've been taking glyburide for about 8 weeks now.
No weight gain,BG goes down a lot quicker,dawn
phenomena is a lot better(about 110 when I wake up).
Will be taking an A1C in about a week.
I'm a bit confused about how this type of med works.
My reading says that more insulin is sent out by the
pancreas by a sulfy.Does that mean more insulin is sent
out on demand or is it sent out for the life of the sulfy
(12-24 hours)?I still have trouble with certain foods-it
isn't a magic bullet.Been thinking about switching to
amaryl(a third generation sulfy).I evaluated glyburide by
getting a bottle of the stuff from a non-prescription
pharmacy in New Zealand and then telling my doctor to
write the prescription.He did what I asked. I just got
some Amaryl from a non-prescription pharmacy in the
Fiji Islands.I'm a bit leery of using this stuff from Fiji
islands.
And so it goes...
Eddie

[RobLL]

You may want to check Berstein's book on these medications.

[Daryl]

Yes, Dr Bernstein refuses to give these to any of his patients, he beleives they will eventually burn out your pancreas, and you'll be dependent on insulin, and also, the sulfonylureas can make you hypoglycemic.

[eddiemcm]

I havn't come close to hypo-I was in 70's
once.It did not cause any discomfort.
I have read his book but I don't always
buy into the "Bernstein sez" thing.
I have just switched over to the newest sulfy
(amaryl)which,in addition to sending out more
insulin,is supposed to repair beta cells.
I appreciate the replies.
Eddie

[Mimya]

I evaluated glyburide by getting a bottle of the stuff from a non-prescription pharmacy in New Zealand and then telling my doctor to write the prescription.He did what I asked.

What kind of a doctor do you have that you tell him what you need?

Why didn't your doctor suggest glyburide or Amaryl type of prescriptions before you went to New Zealand and the Fiji Islands for them? I wonder if their compounds are the same exact compounds we find in the same medication here in the USA?

I also read Dr Bernstein book and his website but as much as he is a brilliant doctor I find his teachings to be out of date for today’s Diabetes upkeep. I'm weaning myself away from conventional doctors because they don't have direction most times ... but self-medicating can be dangerous.

I wish you great luck!

[eddiemcm]

" self-medicating can be dangerous."
Been doing it for years.In most matters,I take
responsibility for my own health.Doesn't mean
that I don't listen to others and consider their
views.My doctor is not very computer literate so he isn't very up to date on a lot of issues.
He will pretty much write any prescription I
want if he feels that it is reasonable.He wanted
me to start out with Avandia but I declined.
About the quality of prescription meds:
1. No finite QC on meds here in USA.FDA has
rules but no enforcement exists
2. Some meds are imported into USA from
abroad
About Bernstein:
Great doctor but,being a Type 1,some of his
views don't seem to fit in with a Type 2 like
myself(IMHO)
Bye for now
Eddie

[dina1957]

Yes, Dr Bernstein refuses to give these to any of his patients, he beleives they will eventually burn out your pancreas, and you'll be dependent on insulin, and also, the sulfonylureas can make you hypoglycemic.
Dr.B prefer to treat his T2 patients with insulin injections instead. Yes, sulfonylureas will stimulate pancrease to release insulin, and it can "overshoot" and result in hypoglycemia, but so is insulin, which works even faster.;) Although, when exogenous hormones are given, it may slow down or in some cases completely shut down endogenous hormones manufacturing.
Phase I insulin response is basically "stored" and ready to go insulin, that most T2 has lost. But if I have to use insulin "to preserve" pancreatic betta-cells while I still have functioning pancrease and eat very low carb diet, why worry about using insulin later in life, when pancrease is compltely burn out ( theoretically)? Does it matter when: now or later?
If OHA will burn pancrease, then one can use insulin injections later, or may be never if one is carefull with diet?

[dina1957]

" self-medicating can be dangerous."
Been doing it for years.In most matters,I take
responsibility for my own health.

I do too Eddie, but I am very carefull with meds that can give me hypo. it does not meant that you should not, after all, high Bgs are far more damaging that sulfo meds. Another concern it that most sulfos cause weight gain, but I guess if it does not for you, then good.
Now, why don't you try something esle before resolrting to sulfo? Theer are new drugs: byetta, symlin, januvia, that work by slightly different mechanism and won't give you weight gain and/or hypoglycemia.

He wanted
me to start out with Avandia but I declined.
This is a good idea, I have read Avandia has many nasty side effects including heart failure.
About the quality of prescription meds:
1. No finite QC on meds here in USA.FDA has
rules but no enforcement exists
Disagree, work in GMP facility under FDA regulations. I can even tell you to stay away from generic medication, only brand name can assure quality and potency. FDA is not perfect, and there is always a room for human error, but ultimately, I would be leary of buying drugs manufactured on Fiji.
However, try to get something made in Switzeland and in EU, they have even higher standrads and so is Japan, than US FDA inforcements. Now we have agreement that allows US drugs on European and Japanese markets, and our drugs made their way into EU market, so our rule and regulations are even more strict at this point. I know that Sandos (Navartis) can many facilities in India, and we used these medications without any problem.

About Bernstein:
Great doctor but,being a Type 1,some of his
views don't seem to fit in with a Type 2 like
myself(IMHO)
Bye for now
Eddie
Can't agree more, this plan is designed to minimize BGs swings for T1 mostly, than are not hyperinsulemic, but tough on T2 without meds.
JMO too.
take care,
D.

[Markm]

.... I'm a bit confused about how this type of med works.
My reading says that more insulin is sent out by the
pancreas by a sulfy.Does that mean more insulin is sent
out on demand or is it sent out for the life of the sulfy
(12-24 hours)? .....
My understanding is that a sulfy stimulates the beta cells to produce insulin for as long as it is active. Which is why these medications can cause hypos. If you want to increase insulin production "on demand" (at mealtimes), you need to take Byetta.

Mark ;)

[dina1957]

My understanding is that a sulfy stimulates the beta cells to produce insulin for as long as it is active. Which is why these medications can cause hypos. If you want to increase insulin production "on demand" (at mealtimes), you need to take Byetta.

Mark ;)
Byetta can be better option, since sulfos "don't know when to stop" while Byetta seems to stimulate only just enough and also slows stomach emptying, and hence, glucose absorbtion into portal vien.
But Dr.B does not like Byetta either, he thinks Symlin is better option. I also read that symlin can be used a monotherapy for t2, normally it is used with insulin again to slow down glucose absorbtion.
problem is, both Byetta and Symlin are pricey and injectalbe, so you have to give yourself injection about an hour before meal time and it is a hassle.
I think also insurance companies would rather approve OHA for T2 with a reasonalbly good control, no Byetta for those with H1C <6%.

[Daryl]

Dr.B prefer to treat his T2 patients with insulin injections instead. Yes, sulfonylureas will stimulate pancrease to release insulin, and it can "overshoot" and result in hypoglycemia, but so is insulin, which works even faster.;) Although, when exogenous hormones are given, it may slow down or in some cases completely shut down endogenous hormones manufacturing.
Phase I insulin response is basically "stored" and ready to go insulin, that most T2 has lost. But if I have to use insulin "to preserve" pancreatic betta-cells while I still have functioning pancrease and eat very low carb diet, why worry about using insulin later in life, when pancrease is compltely burn out ( theoretically)? Does it matter when: now or later?
If OHA will burn pancrease, then one can use insulin injections later, or may be never if one is carefull with diet?



Good question, Dina. I'm guessing (and it is just that, a guess lol) that he would try to preserve whatever functioning cells there are in case a treatment becomes availible that can help restore them. If they're "dead", such a treatment might not be an option. I dunno.....

[Daryl]

I'm using Januvia, and the results have been wonderful. My bg rarely goes above 90, and it's supposed to protect and possibly help heal some of the cells. But I do wonder how much of my good numbers are from my weight loss and diet? After another 25-30 pounds are off, I intend on finding out lol.

[eddiemcm]

"My understanding is that a sulfy stimulates the beta cells to produce insulin for as long as it is active. Which is why these medications can cause hypos. If you want to increase insulin production "on demand" (at mealtimes), you need to take Byetta."
Thanks for the information,Mark.
Eddie

[eddiemcm]

"Disagree, work in GMP facility under FDA regulations."
Dina,do FDA people ever drop by to verify
regulations are adhered to?
Eddie(again)

[dina1957]

"Disagree, work in GMP facility under FDA regulations."
Dina,do FDA people ever drop by to verify
regulations are adhered to?
Eddie(again)
Unfortunately, on a top of routine inspections and audites (quarterly) they can and actually do drop any time without any prior notice! especially japanese like to show up without any notification, and they have all the rights. Actually, FDA is not suppose to notify when they will be on site. Enormouns amount of resources as men power and finances goes toward the QC, especially when we talking perenteral drugs as the company I work for make. You should see what they do when NDA submitted or license granted, everything in the facility is under strict change control. Pain in a roylaty if you ask me, but quite understandable when it comes to human consumption. No wonder our work is nothing but stress, LOL, FDA takes care of it. Somehow I feel like they are responsible for my BGs spike too.;)

[eddiemcm]

"Unfortunately, on a top of routine inspections and audites (quarterly) they can and actually do drop any time without any prior notice! especially japanese like to show up without any notification, and they have all the rights."
Thanks for the information,Dina.I was badly
misinformed on this matter until now.
Restores some of my faith in FDA even though
I know this sort of thing is a real pain in the
backside.Sounds somewhat similar to Underwriters manufacturing/safety audits.
Dina,you give a lot of pozazz to this forum.
Regards
Eddie

[dina1957]

"Unfortunately, on a top of routine inspections and audites (quarterly) they can and actually do drop any time without any prior notice! especially japanese like to show up without any notification, and they have all the rights."
Thanks for the information,Dina.I was badly
misinformed on this matter until now.
Restores some of my faith in FDA even though
I know this sort of thing is a real pain in the
backside.Sounds somewhat similar to Underwriters manufacturing/safety audits.
Dina,you give a lot of pozazz to this forum.
Regards
Eddie
Eddie,
Not you only, ppl cringe when they hear Big Pharma, and bashing it without even knowing much about it. But majority never thinks twice before they buy supplements and vitamins, that are not regulated (espceally herbals from China and India), and no one even knows what is inside those caps or pills. I wish more ppl would understand that Big Pharam is working under very strict FDA regulations and being audited in a regular basis. Now on a top of FDA inspections, there are EU and Japanese inspectors, so it is never a break.
Of course, not all drugs are perfect and sometimes side effects can outweight benefits. Clinical trials are also vary in their approach and quality , from statins to cancer related drugs, so the number of samples and patient willingness to try new drug is different. Hence, when there are deathes as a result of statins, or cancer medication, or Vioxx, or any other medication, it is not because we don't do our job or because FDA looks the other way, but mostly because human body is a very complex biological machine and when one can handle a drug with no side effects, for someone it can be detrimental, and could be because of some underlying conditions. There are so much more to it, but I just want to mention that benign OTC meds like aspirin, tylenol, and cough syrop are linked to more death than Rx medications, and are fard dangerous.
But thanks for the kind words, anyway.
:)
best,
Dina

[dancinbr]

Eddie,
Not you only, ppl cringe when they hear Big Pharma, and bashing it without even knowing much about it. But majority never thinks twice before they buy supplements and vitamins, that are not regulated (espceally herbals from China and India), and no one even knows what is inside those caps or pills. I wish more ppl would understand that Big Pharam is working under very strict FDA regulations and being audited in a regular basis. Now on a top of FDA inspections, there are EU and Japanese inspectors, so it is never a break.
Of course, not all drugs are perfect and sometimes side effects can outweight benefits. Clinical trials are also vary in their approach and quality , from statins to cancer related drugs, so the number of samples and patient willingness to try new drug is different. Hence, when there are deathes as a result of statins, or cancer medication, or Vioxx, or any other medication, it is not because we don't do our job or because FDA looks the other way, but mostly because human body is a very complex biological machine and when one can handle a drug with no side effects, for someone it can be detrimental, and could be because of some underlying conditions. There are so much more to it, but I just want to mention that benign OTC meds like aspirin, tylenol, and cough syrop are linked to more death than Rx medications, and are fard dangerous.
But thanks for the kind words, anyway.
:)
best,
Dina

Great thread and I totally agree. While the FDA and the big pharmas are not always perfect, they are far superior to taking unknown supplements that have never had testing, trials, data gathering, etc., etc.,

Our news tend to go way overboard and we go out of our way to make the big pharma look bad when there is a death such as in Vioxx or whatever else causes a death. What most people miss is the same drug that has killed a very few has probably saved many more lives. It is a complex situation. We know people get the flu. We know the flu shot works. We also know some people for whatever reason have died as a result of a flu shot. But so many more thousands of people live as a result. The FDA, I believe, is doing its best given the large bureaucratic characteristics of any large corporation or agency.

Ralph

[dina1957]

I'm using Januvia, and the results have been wonderful. My bg rarely goes above 90, and it's supposed to protect and possibly help heal some of the cells. But I do wonder how much of my good numbers are from my weight loss and diet? After another 25-30 pounds are off, I intend on finding out lol.
Hey Daryl,
I went to my GP today for a routine testing, and mentioned that I would like to try Januvia to help with my FBG. I also mentioned Byetta but she said -NO, Byetta is only given to T2 that can achieve control with OHA. I also a bit leary of getting twice a day injections, versus once a day pill. She said Januvia looks very promissing, and as a monotherapy is usefull only for T2 with already decent control (diet and exercise), and gave a month worth of Januvia on the house.;)
So, I wonder when it is better to take it: evening or morning, and if get any side effects on this med.
Appreciate your input.
Regards,
D.

[Daryl]

Hey Daryl,
I went to my GP today for a routine testing, and mentioned that I would like to try Januvia to help with my FBG. I also mentioned Byetta but she said -NO, Byetta is only given to T2 that can achieve control with OHA. I also a bit leary of getting twice a day injections, versus once a day pill. She said Januvia looks very promissing, and as a monotherapy is usefull only for T2 with already decent control (diet and exercise), and gave a month worth of Januvia on the house.;)
So, I wonder when it is better to take it: evening or morning, and if get any side effects on this med.
Appreciate your input.
Regards,
D.

Hi Dina :) . I truly hope the Januvia proves helpful to you. You can take it at anytime, just make sure it's once every 24 hours. As for side effects, I've had none that I know of, and supposedly, the only ones are potentially:

"What are the possible side effects of Januvia?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;

headache; or

nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea."

That's from the drug's website.

[dina1957]

Hi Dina :) . I truly hope the Januvia proves helpful to you. You can take it at anytime, just make sure it's once every 24 hours. As for side effects, I've had none that I know of, and supposedly, the only ones are potentially:

"What are the possible side effects of Januvia?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;

headache; or

nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea."

That's from the drug's website.
Thanks daryl. I have the drug information, I just wanted 1st hand input. I will try it until my supply last, and sure hope it will help. For what I have read it helps to restore 1st phase insulin response, so your body starts making insulin once you start eating, and also keeps hepatic manufacturing.
I hope this helps, but I also read that you actually need to eat some carbs to get your Bgs at least to 120 to see the effect, basically you need some spike before insulin is release. I had bad side effects on metformin, so I hope januvia will be better experience. I can cotnrol 2 h pp with diet and exercise, but FBG is my problem.
Thanks for your input anyway.:)

[dancinbr]

Thanks daryl. I have the drug information, I just wanted 1st hand input. I will try it until my supply last, and sure hope it will help. For what I have read it helps to restore 1st phase insulin response, so your body starts making insulin once you start eating, and also keeps hepatic manufacturing.
I hope this helps, but I also read that you actually need to eat some carbs to get your Bgs at least to 120 to see the effect, basically you need some spike before insulin is release. I had bad side effects on metformin, so I hope januvia will be better experience. I can cotnrol 2 h pp with diet and exercise, but FBG is my problem.
Thanks for your input anyway.:)

Hello Dina,

A couple of questions. I am new and learning and enjoying reading many threads here. How often to you test during the day.

I test when I get up and before meds. I test 2 hrs pp a couple of times and then I test as I go to bed; 4 times a day.

My dawn effect BFG is down to 117 and during the day I am already getting many readings under 100. A bit more adjustment to go.

I am on metformin er 500mg; one in the morning and one later in the day.

I have had no issues with this med to date. Did your side effects happen immediately or did they show up later after taking it for some period of time?

I am getting ready to add another Metformin ER tablet in the evening in the hopes that the BFG will come down even more. I am quite satisfied with my readings. All of them under 125 and many under 100. I agree that I must try and get them all under 100.

I see the importance of exercise. I take a 2.2 mile walk every day and see the immediate result as my BG drops to low 80's and high 70's.

Thanks.

Ralph

[dina1957]

Hello Dina,

A couple of questions. I am new and learning and enjoying reading many threads here. How often to you test during the day.

I test when I get up and before meds. I test 2 hrs pp a couple of times and then I test as I go to bed; 4 times a day.
Hi Ralph,
I tested about the same at the beginning: FBG and after each meal, 4 times a day. Once I figured out how diet and exercise affects my readings, I know test FBG, and before and after dinner, I don't want to waste more strips, my insurance makes me pay almost 100% since I am not on any meds and my H1C is good, so I pay $90 for 100 strips, and have to stretch them wisely. I do test more often in the weekend, but aside of my FBG I was in 80-90 range before meals and rarely aboe 100 after.

I have had no issues with this med to date. Did your side effects happen immediately or did they show up later after taking it for some period of time?
I sed generic metfromin, not ER, and the side effects kinda build up after 2 weeks, without helping much with FBG, but getting me in low 60s and upper 50s in the afternoon. My endo said if it is working, it will show right in few days, but it did not for me, and I was up to 500 mg 3 x day. it also made me feel really bad could be I was on a very low carb diet at that time, so combination of both.

I am getting ready to add another Metformin ER tablet in the evening in the hopes that the BFG will come down even more. I am quite satisfied with my readings. All of them under 125 and many under 100. I agree that I must try and get them all under 100.
IO have been re-starting metformin 3 times and finally gave up, it made me go to ER once time due to a really bad bloating and constipation. i was afraid it is colon blockage. So, I have started taking Januvia, since yesterday, so far - is OK and my FBG this morning was <120, yay, and also I was not hungry much and no side effects so far. Keep my fingers crossed, if this will keep my FBG <100, I will be a very happy camper.
I see the importance of exercise. I take a 2.2 mile walk every day and see the immediate result as my BG drops to low 80's and high 70's.
Exercise is very important, I run on elliptical and lift weight, every other day, and in between I swim for an hour, this regimen makes me feel great overall and keep my BGs down. Looks like you are doing good job already. It is like time commitment, and it is very scary, but it is doable. My biggest mistake was I was trying to do just diet and exericse, and was afraid of medications. Now, I think it is time to use it. I literally can't do very low carb anymore, I am sick and tired physically and emptionally drained, and was getting into hypothyroid direction on less than 50g carbs plan.
But hope it works for you.
Best of luck,
Dina

[dancinbr]

Thanks for the reply.

I don't think I will keep at the low carb for a long period of time either, but I am doing so until some significant weight comes off. I believe the weight loss will help even more. I just received Dr. Bernsteins book today. So I can begin to read what he has to say.

I have a feeling I am more insulin resistant rather than not producing enough insulin. I am a big bellied man. Get rid of the belly and all kinds of medical issues disappear.

In the meantime, I will add one more Metformin -ER; this is generic too. It releases slowly during the day rather than the non-ER form, which goes into the system immediately.

My Dawn Effect BFG is now consistently under 120 and many readings during the day are at 100 or less and after exercise drop down into the 80s.

The weight is beginning to come off as well; so we will see.

I had done Atkins once before for weight loss; long term it is tough.

My Doctor is totally supportive of whatever I do as long as I get control of the BG. He was delighted with all my new numbers. I am going for my A1c or is it H1c in about 4-6 weeks. It was over 9; I expect it to be under 6 and maybe even lower.

Ralph

[eddiemcm]

It's neat how the focus of posts gets changed.
Any post brings up a lot of issues.
Thanks to Dina,I/we learned a lot about about
how FDA inspects manufacturing facilities that
produce prescription meds.
Other meds were discussed.
Back to original post about sulfonyureas:
I started out doing this because I thought I,
with the aid of my sulfy buddies,could defeat the dawn phonema at breakfast,be able to LC the rest of the day,lose weight and ultimately
say goodbye to the sulfys.Darn- it doesn't work
that way.Sulfys do indeed defeat the dawn phonema but I get low BG when I LC in this
scenario.HMMM.....
Live and learn
Eddie

[dancinbr]

It's neat how the focus of posts gets changed.
Any post brings up a lot of issues.
Thanks to Dina,I/we learned a lot about about
how FDA inspects manufacturing facilities that
produce prescription meds.
Other meds were discussed.
Back to original post about sulfonyureas:
I started out doing this because I thought I,
with the aid of my sulfy buddies,could defeat the dawn phonema at breakfast,be able to LC the rest of the day,lose weight and ultimately
say goodbye to the sulfys.Darn- it doesn't work
that way.Sulfys do indeed defeat the dawn phonema but I get low BG when I LC in this
scenario.HMMM.....
Live and learn
Eddie

But what about sufly's and the statement that they destroy beta cells eventually leading you to being dependent on insulin in the long term?

Also, what is OHA ???

Thanks,

Ralph

PS Didn't mean to change direction of the post; sorry.

[eddiemcm]

"But what about sufly's and the statement that they destroy beta cells eventually leading you to being dependent on insulin in the long term?"
Best I can find,that statement is not verified by
data or studies.I can see that,for megadoses of
a sulfy,the beta cells get overworked since the
pancreas is making more insulin than normal.Most doctors seem to try a sulfy
first(usually Glipizide) and,if that doesn't
work,try Metformin or Avandia.
My one year strategy is to use a modest
amount of Glyburide(2.5 mg)in the morning to get by the dawn phenomena and do LC the rest of the day.Glimepiride was
too potent-caused hypo several times.
I was surprised to find out that I didn't suffer
any discomfort at BG=58!
Bye
Eddie

[Daryl]

[QUOTE=eddiemcmI was surprised to find out that I didn't suffer
any discomfort at BG=58!
Bye
Eddie[/QUOTE]

Some people develop resistance to the signs of hypoglycemia after awhile, so by all means, keep an eye on those readings.

[Lisa N]

what is OHA ???

OHA = oral hypoglycemic agent
It's a term for pills that make your blood sugar lower. :)

[dina1957]

"But what about sufly's and the statement that they destroy beta cells eventually leading you to being dependent on insulin in the long term?"
Best I can find,that statement is not verified by
data or studies.I can see that,for megadoses of
a sulfy,the beta cells get overworked since the
pancreas is making more insulin than normal.Most doctors seem to try a sulfy
first(usually Glipizide) and,if that doesn't
work,try Metformin or Avandia.
My one year strategy is to use a modest
amount of Glyburide(2.5 mg)in the morning to get by the dawn phenomena and do LC the rest of the day.Glimepiride was
too potent-caused hypo several times.
I was surprised to find out that I didn't suffer
any discomfort at BG=58!
Bye
Eddie
Eddie,
I am on my 4 th day on Januvia, and love it. Love this pill, once a day and no side effects whatsoever, so far. Today my FBG was 108, this is almost 30 points down than before pill without shanging my diet much. Starting from BF and until bedtime, it keep it in low 80s.-mid 90s. I am not even overly hungry, and I can skip a meal without getting "liver dump".
It does know when to stop, since I did not see any hypos yet.
So far I got 4 months supply from my GP "on the house", but if this works, it looks very promissing.
D.

[eddiemcm]

"I am on my 4 th day on Januvia, and love it."
Thanks for the info,Dina.
Checked it out on www.drugstore.com and it
appears rather pricey however if it works well,
it's probably worth the money.
When you quote your FBG number,I assume it
is a morning reading with our old nemesis the dawn phenomena making the reading a bit
high.108 in morning is good.
Cheers
Eddie

[dina1957]

"I am on my 4 th day on Januvia, and love it."
Thanks for the info,Dina.
Checked it out on www.drugstore.com (http://www.drugstore.com) and it
appears rather pricey however if it works well,
it's probably worth the money.
When you quote your FBG number,I assume it
is a morning reading with our old nemesis the dawn phenomena making the reading a bit
high.108 in morning is good.
Cheers
Eddie
Eddie,
I meant FBG, and this is great for me. Before dreaded DP was really getting me, not matter how hard I tried. Too low carbs does not agree with my body, leg cramps, body aches, I started to think that Metformin had bad effect on me because I was on very low carb diet at that time.
So far, I did not have to pay for it, the cost is $5 a pill, pretty expensive. I just hope my good GP will be able to give me some more samples, then we will see. I am sure my insurance won't pay for it. Diabets is a costly illness, I currenly pay $95 for 100 stripsThanks for posting the info on whole sale. Now I can order cheaper strips.:)
Regards,
D.

[dancinbr]

Eddie,
I meant FBG, and this is great for me. Before dreaded DP was really getting me, not matter how hard I tried. Too low carbs does not agree with my body, leg cramps, body aches, I started to think that Metformin had bad effect on me because I was on very low carb diet at that time.
So far, I did not have to pay for it, the cost is $5 a pill, pretty expensive. I just hope my good GP will be able to give me some more samples, then we will see. I am sure my insurance won't pay for it. Diabets is a costly illness, I currenly pay $95 for 100 stripsThanks for posting the info on whole sale. Now I can order cheaper strips.:)
Regards,
D.

You have insurance and they do not pay for your test strips? ! That is awful.
Fortunately, my insurance company does pay. A test strip will cost me about .25/strip.

Also, once I reach 65 in about a 1 1/2 years (wow wanting to get older) I understand that I can get supplies for free since I will be on Medicare and Liberty advertises that they will provide the supplies.

Best wishes,

Ralph :q:

[Daryl]

Yes, diabetes isn't cheap. I am deeply grateful I have decent insurance; I pay $40 for a month's supply of Januvia (rather than the $125 or whatever), and $25 for 2 month's of test strips.

[dina1957]

Yes, diabetes isn't cheap. I am deeply grateful I have decent insurance; I pay $40 for a month's supply of Januvia (rather than the $125 or whatever), and $25 for 2 month's of test strips.
I used to pay $10 for 100 strips with Kaiser HMO, but I am a consultant and my employer switched to Blue Cross PPO, which is great in terms of broad drs network but does not allow certain brands and in my case - hardly will allow any meds. Since I am officially on now meds, they think strips is a luxury for me.;)
Most small group insurance is a rip off, but many large companies have Kaiser, which I would rather avoid.
For now I am just greatefull that my GP is a nice dr and that Big Pharma is willing is supplimenting with free samples. At some point it pays off.;)

[dina1957]

You have insurance and they do not pay for your test strips? ! That is awful.
Fortunately, my insurance company does pay. A test strip will cost me about .25/strip.

Also, once I reach 65 in about a 1 1/2 years (wow wanting to get older) I understand that I can get supplies for free since I will be on Medicare and Liberty advertises that they will provide the supplies.

Best wishes,

Ralph :q:
May be because I am officially take no meds and my H1C is in 5% club? I am not sure why, might call them and find out why they make me pay full price!

[eddiemcm]

"Some people develop resistance to the signs of hypoglycemia after awhile, so by all means, keep an eye on those readings."
This is my first shot at diabetic meds.As far
as I know,I havn't gone hypo until the last
couple of weeks.
Eddie

[dancinbr]

Well I am now on Junuvia 100mg once a day.

Thank you all for the education and conversations about the various med options. It is certainly more than one would find on his own and/or even with a Doctor.

However, my Doc is fully cooperative. Very happy to accomodate almost anything I come to him on. I called yesterday and told him I want to try Januvia 100mg and see how it works for me in addition to the Metformin 500mg extended release that I take 2 in the AM and 2 in the PM. He said sure. Wrote an Rx and that was that. He asked how my numbers were. I told him.

I am due for another A1C in about month so he can truly see the progress and so I can as well. I was 9.6. I am hoping I am definitely below 6 and perhaps approaching 5 heading for 4.6.

But also, look up Jenny's site. She has some concern over long term side effects of Januvia and she has experienced some sores and slow healing of cuts/wounds.

See here http://diabetesupdate.blogspot.com/

Ralph