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Taking Metformin For Type 2 Diabetes. Have High Blood Sugar. Is There An Alternative To Insulin?
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes ten years ago, firstly diet controlled and then, about 4 years ago onto Metformin . I am on the maximum dose, 4 tablets a day. my blood sugar is now too high and I need extra medication. I have tried gliclazide but my kidney function dipped alarmingly. They are now talking about insulin , but I would like to know if there is any alternative? My sugars reading varies between 7 and 11 before meals. Thank you for your time, Lynn Lovatt (I am 69 if that makes a difference?!)
posted on
Thu, 4 Apr 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 5 Apr 2013
Answered on
Fri, 5 Apr 2013
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Whenever a patient is diagnosed for the first time for diabetes type 2,50% of beta cells are dead.
These beta cells are present in pancreas and are responsible for production of insulin.
After a span of 10 years after the diagnosis of diabetes,these beta cells must have been dead almost completely and hence no oral antidiabetics may help except few like ACARBOSE OR VOGLIBOSE etc.
Since ,in addition,you have compromised kidney functions,ideal would be to get injectable insulin for control of your diabetes.
Make sure to get your sugar levels in tight control,to avoid complications later on.
Along with sugar,take care of your blood pressure and lipid profile also in check.
I hope it helps.
Thanks
Whenever a patient is diagnosed for the first time for diabetes type 2,50% of beta cells are dead.
These beta cells are present in pancreas and are responsible for production of insulin.
After a span of 10 years after the diagnosis of diabetes,these beta cells must have been dead almost completely and hence no oral antidiabetics may help except few like ACARBOSE OR VOGLIBOSE etc.
Since ,in addition,you have compromised kidney functions,ideal would be to get injectable insulin for control of your diabetes.
Make sure to get your sugar levels in tight control,to avoid complications later on.
Along with sugar,take care of your blood pressure and lipid profile also in check.
I hope it helps.
Thanks
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Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You have already tried diet control then oral hypoglycemic drugs, you are also having hypertension and getting medication, your kidney function is compromised. Both uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension put you on higher risk of getting cardiac diseases and kidney disease. Now you should control your diabetes by using insulin which may improve your quality of life and reduce other damage progression.
Hope it helps.
Take Care!
Thanks for posting your query.
You have already tried diet control then oral hypoglycemic drugs, you are also having hypertension and getting medication, your kidney function is compromised. Both uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension put you on higher risk of getting cardiac diseases and kidney disease. Now you should control your diabetes by using insulin which may improve your quality of life and reduce other damage progression.
Hope it helps.
Take Care!
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
2 Doctors agree with this answer
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