Hi!

[Steve811]

Just to introduce myself and pose a question! I am a 63 year old male who is reasonably fit and healthy, apart from CKD (stage 3/4), high blood pressure, cholesterol all of which is under control by medication (Allopurinol, Amlodipine Candesartan and Rosuvastatin). The kidney issues have been signed off by the two specialists and I am no longer monitored.
In November last year I started to have the symptoms (constant thirst, urinating frequently and fatigue). I managed to get a GP appointment and saw a brilliant locum who after testing my levels (over 30) referred me straight to the diabetic nurse and put me on Metformin and gliclazide. Over the next 4 weeks my levels came down (tested daily) and I now have an average of around 7. This was hard, although I don't drink or smoke I had to give up certain things like sweets and chocolate (though I have found alternatives) and look for low or sugar free versions of foods. After a review in March the diabetic nurse seemed please with my progress and I don't have any upcoming appointments.
Yesterday I went to request a repeat prescription for the Gliclazide, as I was running out and found out that my prescription does not include that medication! I asked at the doctors and was told "after your last blood test the doctor has decided you no longer need Gliclazide so just take the Metformin". This was a surprise as my last blood test was March! The question is, can you easily come of Gliclazide, and am I right in thinking this might be the road to remission if I can do that?

 

[Vonny]

Hi Steve and welcome to the forum. I'm afraid I can't answer your question as I've only ever been on metformin, but someone will be along soon to provide an answer

Just wanted to say Hi, and welcome aboard x

 

[Leadinglights]

Were you given the result of that HbA1C test that was done in March as that will give an indication whether discontinuing the gliclazide is sensible but it may also depend on what dietary approach you have adopted as it may be that by dropping the medication you would need to review that.

 

[Ieva DUK]

Hi @Steve811 and welcome to the forum!

 

[Steve811]

Were you given the result of that HbA1C test that was done in March as that will give an indication whether discontinuing the gliclazide is sensible but it may also depend on what dietary approach you have adopted as it may be that by dropping the medication you would need to review that.

No, and I was not told I could stop taking the gliclazide until now, when I asked for a repeat! My diet has changed substantially since November, I no longer eat anything with medium or high sugar content (missing Haribo's!) and eat more brown bread than white, don't have sugary drinks etc. I am hoping they are right but might book an appointment with the diabetic nurse for a review, if I can come of Metformin as well that would be great.

 

[Leadinglights]

No, and I was not told I could stop taking the gliclazide until now, when I asked for a repeat! My diet has changed substantially since November, I no longer eat anything with medium or high sugar content (missing Haribo's!) and eat more brown bread than white, don't have sugary drinks etc. I am hoping they are right but might book an appointment with the diabetic nurse for a review, if I can come of Metformin as well that would be great.

Finding out that HbA1C result is crucial to guide you on the best course of action.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

No, and I was not told I could stop taking the gliclazide until now, when I asked for a repeat! My diet has changed substantially since November, I no longer eat anything with medium or high sugar content (missing Haribo's!) and eat more brown bread than white, don't have sugary drinks etc. I am hoping they are right but might book an appointment with the diabetic nurse for a review, if I can come of Metformin as well that would be great.

Sounds like you’ve made some positive changes @Steve811

Let us know how you get on without the Gliclazide, and what effect it has on your results 🙂