Day 5 since diagnosed and Gliclazide

[Zaraah]

Yes I take my Glicizide after the gym, but before I have breakfasf, I wonder how people take it in the evening and before the last meal as opposed to after it?

GP was one on day 1 last Friday who told me to take both Gliclazide and Metformin with food however I since understand it is the DN that is the one who will look at it in detail

 

[Pam123]

Yes I take my Glicizide after the gym, but before I have breakfasf, I wonder how people take it in the evening and before the last meal as opposed to after it?

When my hubby was taking it he was told to take it before his evening meal.

 

[Zaraah]

GP told me last Friday (day I was diagnosed and given medications) to take with each meal and same with the lunchtime Metformin ‍♀️

I really hoping telephone appointment with DN will make things clearer fingers crossed!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

GP told me last Friday (day I was diagnosed and given medications) to take with each meal and same with the lunchtime Metformin ‍♀️

I really hoping telephone appointment with DN will make things clearer fingers crossed!

Hope the appointment went well @Zaraah

Gliclazide works by encouraging the pancreas to release more insulin than it naturally would, so it does assume there will be some carbs to ‘work on’. However the numbers you’ve been seeing (while close to the edge) are actually pretty healthy long-term, as long as you can reduce the risk of dropping below 4.0.

Let us know what your nurse suggested 🙂

 

[Zaraah]

Hello all,

So recap I am day 8 today since diagnosis with 129 last Friday.

Started with 1 x Gliclazide 40mg with breakfast, 1 x Metformin with lunch and 1 x Gliclazide 40mg with dinner.

Had first telephone appointment this afternoon. Initially DN was still thinking of keeping medications as above and adding Metformin however, when we went through readings as they were single figures since Tuesday (day 5 of medications) and as I am low carb, lots of veg and protein reconsidered medication so now as follows:-

From tomorrow next 7 Days:-
Breakfast 1 x Metformin
Lunch Nothing
Dinner 1 x Metformin & 1 Gliclazide

Next Friday add 1 x Metformin to Lunch meal so for now gone from 2 to 1 Gliclazide daily. Because I am doing low carbs hopefully will not feel “odd” when readings drop low (although so far I have never gone under 4).

DN said she aiming for daily average of 8.0 before Gliclazide removed completely.

I have follow up in couple of weeks and this time in person where DN will check weight and feet etc.

DN said going forward she would rather than waking up fasting, before and after food, she would like me to only do following readings:-
1) When wake up
2) 2 hours after lunch
3) 2 hours after dinner
4) Other testing only if feel dizzy etc

Will see how next week goes as see DN week after next.

Thank you again everyone for advice and support. I am really grateful as found diagnosis overwhelming and little lost however, each day a learning curve!

 

[Newbie777]

I have to take one 40mg Gliclazide with breakfast, one Metformin 500mg with lunch and one 40mg Gliclazide with dinner.

Today is day 8 and GP said last Friday to then add another Metformin today and then on 3rd week a 3rd daily Metformin.

Bit worried about increasing Metformin today to 2 when figures under 9. Maybe nurse can reduce my Gliclazide today and then increase Metformin if can work like that?! ‍♀️

I personally wouldn't be worried about I caressing Metformin to 1000mg, but with your excellent step routine not sure if yiu need to go higher to 1500mg, maybe an idea to see the DN or GP and ask them to slow doe a bit until your BG stabilise.

I went to tye gym this morning and my reads were7.6 and now about 10.00, but it will come down and am am not worried at all, we all have good days and bad days, but as I realised Diabetes management is a marathon and not a sprint.
Keep up the good work, you are doing well and like me don't be afraid to ask questions they are a good helpful bunch of people on here.

 

[Zaraah]

I personally wouldn't be worried about I caressing Metformin to 1000mg, but with your excellent step routine not sure if yiu need to go higher to 1500mg, maybe an idea to see the DN or GP and ask them to slow doe a bit until your BG stabilise.

I went to tye gym this morning and my reads were7.6 and now about 10.00, but it will come down and am am not worried at all, we all have good days and bad days, but as I realised Diabetes management is a marathon and not a sprint.
Keep up the good work, you are doing well and like me don't be afraid to ask questions they are a good helpful bunch of people on here.

Thanks @Newbie777. So yesterday was first day tweaked medications as per DN telephone appointment above and just before dinner was 4.4 so think you right about not adding 3rd Metformin next Friday.

My average reading past 7 days is currently 7.9 so will give it couple more days and if still less than 8 I will stop the evening Gliclazide as DN said if average is 8 then I can stop evening Gliclazide too. Will take it until next Friday unless average numbers are continuously less than 8.

From next Friday to the Tuesday I will stick to 2 Metformin daily and see how with my diet and steps if that works as see DN in person on that Tuesday so can let her now as like you may not need the 3rd.

I do think from next Friday though if had 3 daily metformin and the 1 evening Gliclazide I will still get those lose 4-5 readings because I really have ditched my car and walking everywhere

Still early days and my husband keeps saying learning curve and I will find what works for me in coming days so fingers crossed

Agree this forum has been amazing and so glad I joined!

 

[Newbie777]

Really well done, looks like you are making good progress.

It s fine about metformin and if you have to take 1 Glicizide, best to take it in the morning.

Once you have your BG in control for a few months you never you may get off Glicizide and less Metformin, but that will be decided by your DN and GP.

My plan to reduce Glicizlide from 80mg to 40mg once a day has backfired, although I don't go low BG now, my reads are higher than I want now, but I tried and know there is a limit what my body can and can't do.

Walking is brilliant, but don't skimp on the meals. Also a few of us on here stop eating after 7pm to allow 12 hours of fasting, but like all the advice on these forums, it what works best for you and we are all different.

 

[Zaraah]

Really well done, looks like you are making good progress.

It s fine about metformin and if you have to take 1 Glicizide, best to take it in the morning.

Once you have your BG in control for a few months you never you may get off Glicizide and less Metformin, but that will be decided by your DN and GP.

My plan to reduce Glicizlide from 80mg to 40mg once a day has backfired, although I don't go low BG now, my reads are higher than I want now, but I tried and know there is a limit what my body can and can't do.

Walking is brilliant, but don't skimp on the meals. Also a few of us on here stop eating after 7pm to allow 12 hours of fasting, but like all the advice on these forums, it what works best for you and we are all different.

Thank you whole numbers are stable in single figures still little confusing. For example before lunch today I was 7.8 at 2pm (had breakfast this morning and then mid morning protein yougurt whilst doing my walk - 16k steps). Then had lunch plate of roasted vegetables with pomegranate dressing, chicken and cream cheese. 2 hours later at 4pm and my reading is 6.3 so it went down. No medications with lunch just my 1 Metformin this morning with breakfast. I thought readings were suppose to go 2 hours after lunch and I am going down?! ‍♀️‍♀️

With the 1 daily Gliclazide I have to take DN said to take it in the evening as DN said that’s when most people have main largest meal so means reading reduces with the Gliclazide overnight. Be glad when off it to be honest and still worry about my readings going low like the 4.4 yesterday evening.

I am eating my 3 meals and from today now regularly adding mid morning and late afternoon snack - doing protein yougurts as keeps protein up with all the walking and also the yougurts are a small healthy sweet fix.

I hoping readings stabilise for me however just confused at moment as above.

Sorry to read you plan backfired. Hopefully you will find a way that works for you!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

With the 1 daily Gliclazide I have to take DN said to take it in the evening as DN said that’s when most people have main largest meal so means reading reduces with the Gliclazide overnight. Be glad when off it to be honest and still worry about my readings going low like the 4.4 yesterday evening.

I would follow your DN’s suggestion @Zaraah, as they know your results and history.

Hope the adjusted meds go well this week 🙂

 

[Zaraah]

I would follow your DN’s suggestion @Zaraah, as they know your results and history.

Hope the adjusted meds go well this week 🙂

Thank you @everydayupsanddowns I will do. I the DN in person week after next so hopefully in the meantime readings stabilise bit more before then

 

[Newbie777]

Thank you whole numbers are stable in single figures still little confusing. For example before lunch today I was 7.8 at 2pm (had breakfast this morning and then mid morning protein yougurt whilst doing my walk - 16k steps). Then had lunch plate of roasted vegetables with pomegranate dressing, chicken and cream cheese. 2 hours later at 4pm and my reading is 6.3 so it went down. No medications with lunch just my 1 Metformin this morning with breakfast. I thought readings were suppose to go 2 hours after lunch and I am going down?! ‍♀️‍♀️

With the 1 daily Gliclazide I have to take DN said to take it in the evening as DN said that’s when most people have main largest meal so means reading reduces with the Gliclazide overnight. Be glad when off it to be honest and still worry about my readings going low like the 4.4 yesterday evening.

I am eating my 3 meals and from today now regularly adding mid morning and late afternoon snack - doing protein yougurts as keeps protein up with all the walking and also the yougurts are a small healthy sweet fix.

I hoping readings stabilise for me however just confused at moment as above.

Sorry to read you plan backfired. Hopefully you will find a way that works for you!

I think your reads are a bit up and down and also you are trying different things and food, as well as medicine, so so don't worry when goes up a but when you think it should go down and vice versa.

Like they say it will all come out in the wash and you feel better once you get steady results.

I think you are fortunate that you have access to DN they have a lot of experience and knowledge and will guide you.

Me, never give up, I have other options, but am happy thank God that I have reached a good stage in Diabetes Management, it only took me 20 years. Lol

 

[Zaraah]

I think your reads are a bit up and down and also you are trying different things and food, as well as medicine, so so don't worry when goes up a but when you think it should go down and vice versa.

Like they say it will all come out in the wash and you feel better once you get steady results.

I think you are fortunate that you have access to DN they have a lot of experience and knowledge and will guide you.

Me, never give up, I have other options, but am happy thank God that I have reached a good stage in Diabetes Management, it only took me 20 years. Lol

Thanks @Newbie777.

Must admit the telephone appointment on Friday was very rushed and did not have time to ask any questions.

Hoping the face to face in a couple of weeks will be better.

I know NHS is stretched so they have to get through so many people. Having spoken to others once have a plan in place an steady then you left to it until next blood test.

Am grateful for this forum as been so useful in the past week.

20 years! I cannot really moan then when I only day 10 since being diagnosed!!

Hopefully one above has a plan for all of us!!

 

[Newbie777]

Thank you @Zaraah

Face to face is better as your DN will see how anxious you are and hopefully will answer all your questions and agree on a plan going forward.

Unfortunately, I did not take Diabetes serious and as a consequence my eyes suffered, but the main thing is we learn, focus and plan ahead with the knowledge gained.

Yes always grateful to God, many many people in a lot worse position, so very fortunate indeed.

 

[Zaraah]

Thank you @Zaraah

Face to face is better as your DN will see how anxious you are and hopefully will answer all your questions and agree on a plan going forward.

Unfortunately, I did not take Diabetes serious and as a consequence my eyes suffered, but the main thing is we learn, focus and plan ahead with the knowledge gained.

Yes always grateful to God, many many people in a lot worse position, so very fortunate indeed.

Yes hope face to face appointment goes well. I think while I am still on the 1 daily Gliclazide am worried will hypo as my readings still go low

Definitely agree

 

[Zaraah]

Hello everyone thought I would update everyone following my first face to face appointment yesterday with Diabetic Nurse.

Firstly I am now off Gliclazide as my average reading on monitor was 7mmol so that’s the good news!

However nurse wanted to increase my Metformin daily dose from 2 x 500mg. Side effects such as dioherra which I only had slightly so nurse has now switched me to Metformin slow release and to take 2 x 1000mg with evening meal. Last night was first night starting new medications.

Nurse said my readings would be higher until slow release kicked in. 10.6 last night 2 hours after last meal so double figure worried me however this morning’s reading when woke up was 6.1.

So far been ok side effect wise although have a dull pins and needles in my left hand and lower arm. Read online things normal whilst body adjusts to higher dose of Metformin. I have follow up telephone call with nurse on 10 December so can let her know if this persists.

I do not qualify for the soups and shakes NHS program currently because I was diagnosed with triple figures and have to be under 83 I think nurse said so not something I can do now so will continue with diet and the walking/daily steps.

Next HbA1C will be mid January so 2 months after I was diagnosed 2 and half weeks ago.

Blood pressure has come down loads without medications in last 2 weeks so that definitely has been a real positive with the many daily steps I now trying to do. Currently 125/91 and although bottom number was slightly raised nurse does not want me to go on medications just yet for blood pressure given when I was recently diagnosed with T2 and the time both GP and A&E got blood pressure for top figure alone about mid 150s (forgotten lower figure however remember that was high too).

Walking has definitely helped in 2 and half weeks with bringing the blood pressure down however time will tell with HbA1C. Nurse said whatever the result in January not to be disheartened as other positive effects. Fingers crossed that comes down too.

On separate note not sure if increase to such higher levels of Metformin was way to go or whether 1500mg a day might have been mid way balance. Will see how 2000mg a day works with me.

I been told not to monitor anymore as not on Gliclazide and as compromise once daily as NHS have limit on how many needles and strips that can be proscribed to a patient and only asked for regular testing during day if on medications like Gliclazide. I did say I would continue very least my readings for when I wake up and 2 hours after last meal. Ideally I would also like to test 2 hours after lunch too. Did say to nurse if have to buy strips and needles myself going forward I would as surely aim is to know what is going on and to reduce levels and possibly remission so save myself but also NHS money in long run?! It is an odd system however is what it is.

Lastly, urine tested (tmi sorry) yesterday and no ketones, no sugar and no proteins present. Cholesterol will be tested first time in next January blood test. I am privately doing a Vitamin D blood test and do wonder whether with the pins and needles early days or whether I should do a Vitamin B12 test too to check levels?

Thanks all especially if you read until the end of my message/rant! ‍♀️

 

[Leadinglights]

Hello everyone thought I would update everyone following my first face to face appointment yesterday with Diabetic Nurse.

Firstly I am now off Gliclazide as my average reading on monitor was 7mmol so that’s the good news!

However nurse wanted to increase my Metformin daily dose from 2 x 500mg. Side effects such as dioherra which I only had slightly so nurse has now switched me to Metformin slow release and to take 2 x 1000mg with evening meal. Last night was first night starting new medications.

Nurse said my readings would be higher until slow release kicked in. 10.6 last night 2 hours after last meal so double figure worried me however this morning’s reading when woke up was 6.1.

So far been ok side effect wise although have a dull pins and needles in my left hand and lower arm. Read online things normal whilst body adjusts to higher dose of Metformin. I have follow up telephone call with nurse on 10 December so can let her know if this persists.

I do not qualify for the soups and shakes NHS program currently because I was diagnosed with triple figures and have to be under 83 I think nurse said so not something I can do now so will continue with diet and the walking/daily steps.

Next HbA1C will be mid January so 2 months after I was diagnosed 2 and half weeks ago.

Blood pressure has come down loads without medications in last 2 weeks so that definitely has been a real positive with the many daily steps I now trying to do. Currently 125/91 and although bottom number was slightly raised nurse does not want me to go on medications just yet for blood pressure given when I was recently diagnosed with T2 and the time both GP and A&E got blood pressure for top figure alone about mid 150s (forgotten lower figure however remember that was high too).

Walking has definitely helped in 2 and half weeks with bringing the blood pressure down however time will tell with HbA1C. Nurse said whatever the result in January not to be disheartened as other positive effects. Fingers crossed that comes down too.

On separate note not sure if increase to such higher levels of Metformin was way to go or whether 1500mg a day might have been mid way balance. Will see how 2000mg a day works with me.

I been told not to monitor anymore as not on Gliclazide and as compromise once daily as NHS have limit on how many needles and strips that can be proscribed to a patient and only asked for regular testing during day if on medications like Gliclazide. I did say I would continue very least my readings for when I wake up and 2 hours after last meal. Ideally I would also like to test 2 hours after lunch too. Did say to nurse if have to buy strips and needles myself going forward I would as surely aim is to know what is going on and to reduce levels and possibly remission so save myself but also NHS money in long run?! It is an odd system however is what it is.

Lastly, urine tested (tmi sorry) yesterday and no ketones, no sugar and no proteins present. Cholesterol will be tested first time in next January blood test. I am privately doing a Vitamin D blood test and do wonder whether with the pins and needles early days or whether I should do a Vitamin B12 test too to check levels?

Thanks all especially if you read until the end of my message/rant! ‍♀️

If the strips for the monitor you have are the more expensive ones then you would save in the long run to buy a monitor which takes cheaper strips which are cheaper to buy on line than the pharmacy.
Most people benefit in the early day having a strategic testing of their meals as a good investment in managing their condition.
Surgeries tend to tell people not to test so they don't have to prescribe strips.
You can reuse lancets as long as it is only you using them. I still have most of my box of 100 from 5 years ago.

 

[grovesy]

I always self funded strips even when on Glizlazide as I was only prescribed 50 a month. Then they stopped prescribing altogether when off Gliclazide a while.

 

[Zaraah]

If the strips for the monitor you have are the more expensive ones then you would save in the long run to buy a monitor which takes cheaper strips which are cheaper to buy on line than the pharmacy.
Most people benefit in the early day having a strategic testing of their meals as a good investment in managing their condition.
Surgeries tend to tell people not to test so they don't have to prescribe strips.
You can reuse lancets as long as it is only you using them. I still have most of my box of 100 from 5 years ago.

Thanks @Leadinglights I did not know that lancets could be reused by me

Yes I am weighing up whether I sign up for the Libre trial as like you say early days and gives more info and then long term manage with random finger prick testing

 

[Zaraah]

I always self funded strips even when on Glizlazide as I was only prescribed 50 a month. Then they stopped prescribing altogether when off Gliclazide a while.

Thanks @grovesy. I will self fund now as I rather know readings than not if makes sense