Resistance to Meds?

[lewsterr]

When I started on Glipizide about 2 months ago, I had to eat at least every few hours to avoid going hypo. My readings were dipping into the 50s. Over time, I was experiencing fewer hypos, and now I seldom go below 90 even if not eating for several hours. My average BG is gradually creeping up. Could it be that I'm becoming resistant to the Glipizide? Do you think that by stimulating my pancreas to produce more insulin, it's causing more damage?

[mg_2204]

I'm no expert but I would think diabetes is perhaps progressing. The very same happened to one of my brothers. His meds were increased, then they were changed completely. He's back on glipizide. Go figure!

About your BG not going under 90 even if you don't have anything to eat for many hours : Whatever energy the body doesn't get from food, it will get from your internal organs. I have been experiencing BG ranging between 6 and 7 mmolL (108 and 126 mgDL) lately and I have breakfast (really early), I skip lunch (not willingly, my work schedule has been preventing me from having lunch lately), and have supper around 7 pm only. I'm at my lowest around 11 am, within the range of 4.5 perhaps (81 mgDL) but BG goes up again and steadily until I have supper. How frustrating is that?!? :banghead:

It might also be it's the wrong phase of the moon or it's windy outside. Diabetes is the most unpredictable and stupid disease on earth. I hate it with a passion.

The very best to you. Hope everything settles and soon! :)

[Dan Gato]

Hi Lews, :hello:

Your Glip dose seems low. also, you were diagnosed not too long ago,
I don't think that you're becoming resistant to the meds. look elsewere, even probably increasing your meds. or at extended release meds.

how's diet, exercise, your weight,drinking water. carbs, ?

One of the drawbacks of Glipizide, I've read, is that damages the beta cells over a long period of time, & the beta cells are the ones that produce your own insulin, it's something to think about, do more research & talk to your health team.

[Peter Lee]

Two months is far, far too early to say whether you are becoming resistant to the medication. It can take weeks for the body to stabilise after starting a new medication.

Taking glipizide is only one line of attack on your diabetes and the problem is that as soon as your body detects that your sugar levels are falling your liver will kick in and release glucose, particularly if you are exercising and that is why some people are also on Metformin, one of whose functions is to reduce glucose release by the liver.

Sugar level is a balance between the effect of your particular medication, your state of health (whether you have a cold or infection etc - which raise sugar levels) and your level of activity. a small change in your level of activity whether it's physical or mental or both, can have a seemingly large change in sugar levels (particularly if you are on solely glipizide)

If I were in the 50s, I would be much too low and I would take emergency action. If I stayed in the 90s I would be very content with my level of control.

My advice is, keep testing and find a regime which keeps you at the level that you have decided upon in conjunction with your medical team and which suits your lifestyle and keeps you comfortable.