Newbie help wanted

[Linda Burton]

Hi all, I was put on Glicazide (twice a day) back in early December, in that time my weight has gained by 1stone 3lb BMI (now 27) no matter what I changed, so I've taken the decision to stop taking it and am working hard eating a very low carb diet. My daytime blood sugars are looking good for me (around 7-9) but I've just had a morning reading of 12.5??? This is really strange as my going to bed reading was 7.9? Why does this happen, how can it rise without me eating anything? Incidentally my weight has dropped by 4lb in 7 days!!

 

[Beck S]

Gliclazide is a drug that will unfortunately do that to you weight wise - it can inhibit weight loss and can even make you gain weight, so that will explain the weight gain and loss you've experienced. It's a drug that actively works to lower your blood sugar levels, so the fact that you've stopped taking it might be the reason you're seeing higher levels - it takes a few days to get into and out of your system.

 

[Diabetes UK]

HI Linda and welcome to the forum. As Beck has mentioned, it's likely that your levels have increased as the Gliclazide has left your system, so probably good to keep a check on how they are doing. It is common for BG levels to increase on waking (something called the dawn phenomenon) so that could explain the higher level in the morning.
If you're concerned about the side affects of the Gliclazide, perhaps it would be helpful to have a discussion with your GP to consider alternative medication? Taking no medication could result in higher BG levels which could result in complications further down the line however if you wish to manage your diabetes with diet alone, it is something you can consider, as long as whatever you do achieves safe BG levels. Are you taking any other tablets for diabetes?

 

[Linda Burton]

I also take 4 metformin (2x breakfast and 2x evening meal). I have a phone appointment with Diabetic clinic in next few days after HBA1C results, to discuss options without Gliclazide or Insulin.