[SVanderkolff]

I now know what happens when you effectively ignore diabetes. I continued to take my meds but otherwise did not alter my behavior at all. Just got a call from my doc, Hba1c came in at .82 and morning fasting blood sugar came in at 10.6. I was on 2000 mg of metformin daily for the D but now he wants me to increase that to 2500 and to start taking glyburide. I am not sure if I should start the new meds or just start taking control of what I am eating. A few stats, I am 49 yo,6' 190 lbs. I am also on pravastatin, diavan, eztrol,atenelol and losec for my heart. What do I need to watch out for with the glyburide and should I start taking it or not?
Thanks
Steve

[Janlaton]

Well Steve, I would call it a wake up call. Personally I would take the medication. I do not remember and sides when I took it but it has been awhile. In addition I would start closely watching my carb count and cutting back every way I could. Get the doc to send you to a dietitian to help you set up a diet plan for eating then set up an exercise routine that you can stick to. Maybe just walking 20/30 minutes every day. But you need to get the numbers down. It may be if you get them down enough in 3 months the doc will say wait a minute you don't need this pill after all.

I know adjustment is hard. But discipline is necessary to keep the "D" under controll. Side effects will be there if you do not take control now!

Be cheering you on!

[princesslinda]

Hi Steve, welcome! Sounds like you've gotten a wake up call and are ready to start taking control. Good for you!

As for your new medication, Glyburide is a medication which will stimulate your beta cells to make more insulin. Metformin helps you better use the insulin you're already making.

Glyburide can cause you to have hypos (low blood sugar), so be aware of that and always have some hard candy (not sugar free) in your pocket, desk, car...where you can get to it should you need it.

Only you and your doctor can decide which meds are best for you and your situation, we can't advise you to take them or not. If you find that you're going low often after you start watching your diet and getting more exercise, you and your doctor may decide an adjustment is in order. Your main goal is control of your blood sugars, whatever it takes.

I would advise you to start testing your blood sugar often, esp. 2 hrs after your first bite of food. This will allow you to see how different foods affect your blood sugar and help you make smarter choices. We're all different in our tolerances and this is the only way you'll know what works for you.

Many of us have found that by watching carbs (white breads, rice, pasta, potatoes) we have better control.

Exercise is very important as well...you'll be amazed how your blood sugar will respond to it.

Again, welcome. Post often, ask lots of questions.

[gettingby]

Hi Steve and Welcome back.
Sometimes a "wakeup" call is what we all need. I had been neglecting my care for approx 2 weeks recently. Now, I'm trying to get back on the right track and in control, so I'm with you there.
I can't comment on the meds as I am a T1 on insulin only. I hope things work out better for you. Glad to see you back with us.

[Aurora96]

Welcome Steve!

Those wake up calls are hard. I know from my own experience. But the important thing now is not to beat yourself up for ignoring your own care. It's easy to do but it's unneccessary and self-defeating.

I'll echo what Princess Linda said - only you and your doc can make the call on the meds. Anytime my doc wants to put me on a new med, though, I do a great deal of research to determine if it's really the way I want to go. If not, I usually have a pretty solid reason that I can articulate to her and an alternative to what she has suggested. I've got a great relationship with my doc, so, she understands that I'm not just being difficult. Once upon a time, I would just accept what the doc said and go on but now I'm a much more active participant in my own care!

[xMenace]

Start taking control of the D^3: diet, exercise, and weight. Mendosa is a good start: Advice for Newbies

[Evermont]

Originally Posted by SVanderkolff

...not sure if I should start the new meds or just start taking control of what I am eating...

Perhaps 'and' rather than 'or'. I would not presume to suggest anything about your meds, but there's no reason to rely only on meds, good nutrition is a foundation, not a mutually exclusive choice along with meds. In other words, taking meds is never a substitute for eating well.