Rapid Insulin Vs Gliclazide tablets

[London_Star]

Hi all, I DESPERATELY hope someone can help me this morning!

I'm currently in rapid Insulin PRN because my BGLs were not always too high in the evenings so it was decided that me taking some Insulin only when needed should suffice. HOWEVER, since my very first dose my BGLs have SHOT UP so badly that I must take it almost every evening (and yes I have had to increase dose without guidance too!!).

I want to go back on Gliclazide (as just can't keep starving myself anymore) but WORRIED the nurse will FORCE ME to stay on Insulin (when it was o lying ever meant to be a temporary solution to test PRN!!).

CAN ANYONE HELP ME with arguments FOR going back on the standard Gliclazide I was on rather than have to be forced to increase Insulin dose and put on weight? I'm convinced my body's own ability is switching off as soon as I take Insulin.

PS - I'm Diabetic due to steroids so CANT reverse it and I have significant mobility issues which adds to my cardiovascular risks.

Thank you in advance ☺

 

[EmmaL76]

Hi all, I DESPERATELY hope someone can help me this morning!

I'm currently in rapid Insulin PRN because my BGLs were not always too high in the evenings so it was decided that me taking some Insulin only when needed should suffice. HOWEVER, since my very first dose my BGLs have SHOT UP so badly that I must take it almost every evening (and yes I have had to increase dose without guidance too!!).

I want to go back on Gliclazide (as just can't keep starving myself anymore) but WORRIED the nurse will FORCE ME to stay on Insulin (when it was o lying ever meant to be a temporary solution to test PRN!!).

CAN ANYONE HELP ME with arguments FOR going back on the standard Gliclazide I was on rather than have to be forced to increase Insulin dose and put on weight? I'm convinced my body's own ability is switching off as soon as I take Insulin.

PS - I'm Diabetic due to steroids so CANT reverse it and I have significant mobility issues which adds to my cardiovascular risks.

Thank you in advance ☺

I have this exact same issue, although my diagnosis is currently unclear as to which type I have, I have huge spike when I take insulin which I would not have without insulin but eating the same food. I don’t understand why or how this is happening, all I know is taking insulin for me causes more problems than it solves. I would love this not to be the case as I am very underweight. Metformin makes no difference and I’ve been told would not usually work for a skinny type 2 if that’s what I turn out to be and I dont need gliclazide because I have good production of insulin. Trust me I get your frustration but can’t offer any advise just an understanding ear unfortunately xx

 

[London_Star]

I have this exact same issue, although my diagnosis is currently unclear as to which type I have, I have huge spike when I take insulin which I would not have without insulin but eating the same food. I don’t understand why or how this is happening, all I know is taking insulin for me causes more problems than it solves. I would love this not to be the case as I am very underweight. Metformin makes no difference and I’ve been told would not usually work for a skinny type 2 if that’s what I turn out to be and I dont need gliclazide because I have good production of insulin. Trust me I get your frustration but can’t offer any advise just an understanding ear unfortunately xx

Thanks so much. Made me feel less alone and crazy! I have to lose around 10lbs to get to my "normal" weight and just hoping getting off Insulin will help. I've started eating like a pig as I've lost all hope of control with Insulin.

I'm hoping to go back to Gliclazide (need it as just can't exercise adequately to get rid of all the sugar in me thanks to meds).

Been really scared, especially after recent Covid as someone with severely compromised immune system. Didn't want to get worse in Hospital due to uncontrolled Diabetes and extra fat around tummy and other areas.

I really hope you get your answers and start to feel more stable with your sugar levels. No one should live in chaos or confusion to this level

 

[EmmaL76]

I also had covid recently, sometimes it all so overwhelming isn’t it. All we can do it try, and keep tying till be reach a happy comfortable place. Xx

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks so much. Made me feel less alone and crazy! I have to lose around 10lbs to get to my "normal" weight and just hoping getting off Insulin will help. I've started eating like a pig as I've lost all hope of control with Insulin.

I'm hoping to go back to Gliclazide (need it as just can't exercise adequately to get rid of all the sugar in me thanks to meds).

Been really scared, especially after recent Covid as someone with severely compromised immune system. Didn't want to get worse in Hospital due to uncontrolled Diabetes and extra fat around tummy and other areas.

I really hope you get your answers and start to feel more stable with your sugar levels. No one should live in chaos or confusion to this level

It sounds as if you haven't been given much guidance about a sensible regime for taking the insulin, as in when and how much. Is the insulin you have a basal insulin or bolus for taking with meals and is it a fixed dose or do you adjust for your meal carb amount or are you supposed to eat a certain amount of carbs for the dose you are taking.
Is it that you are having to eat more to stop your levels going too low ?
You should have a contact number for the diabetic specialist who prescribes the medication who you can contact to clarify what you are supposed to be doing.

 

[London_Star]

It sounds as if you haven't been given much guidance about a sensible regime for taking the insulin, as in when and how much. Is the insulin you have a basal insulin or bolus for taking with meals and is it a fixed dose or do you adjust for your meal carb amount or are you supposed to eat a certain amount of carbs for the dose you are taking.
Is it that you are having to eat more to stop your levels going too low ?
You should have a contact number for the diabetic specialist who prescribes the medication who you can contact to clarify what you are supposed to be doing.

 

[London_Star]

I had a call with a diabetes specialist today (not many of the them understand my diabetes-causing circumstances and how to adjust for it). She's agreed to allow me to get off the insulin and go on low dose of Gliclazide again. Hoping it will work.

PS- Eating too much just due to stress levels and confusion. Anxiety and losing hope has changed my head slightly. Need to get back to my normal self again

 

[Docb]

Hi @London_Star. Can't really help at all, way out of my experience but I think i know what I might do if faced with your dilemma. That is that I would collect and tabulate all the data, what you ate, when you ate it, what insulin you have been taking and when you took it and what blood glucose measurements you have made and when you took them. Being me, I would probably throw in a few more tests than most others.

Then, next time you talk to the nurse you show them the information and ask them to explain what is going on, ask if they are happy with it and whether returning to gliclazide might be a better approach. I have found that talking around real numbers is a good place to start because it makes you get back to basics and you do not start with preconceived opinions.

Last time I saw the DN she did not ask how things were going, she asked for my charts and that led to a far better conversation!

Ah... just seen you have spoken to the nurse and agreed a change. Even so, I would start gathering data because I suspect there will be more conversations to come.

 

[Leadinglights]

I had a call with a diabetes specialist today (not many of the them understand my diabetes-causing circumstances and how to adjust for it). She's agreed to allow me to get off the insulin and go on low dose of Gliclazide again. Hoping it will work.

PS- Eating too much just due to stress levels and confusion. Anxiety and losing hope has changed my head slightly. Need to get back to my normal self again

That is good you have some contact now but I should not hesitate to get back to them for any extra help you need.
Getting back on track with a sensible dietary regime should help you. May be if you go back to basics and start with making a food diary so you can re -evaluate and plan a way forward.

 

[DaveB]

Hi. I'm not sure if this is relevant but both Gliclazide and insulin can result in weight gain as they both result in the body having more insulin to use to metabolise the carbs which will be stored a body fat if too high. Do keep the carbs down to help. Obviously with the steroids and mobility issues controlling the BS will not be easy.

 

[London_Star]

Hi @London_Star. Can't really help at all, way out of my experience but I think i know what I might do if faced with your dilemma. That is that I would collect and tabulate all the data, what you ate, when you ate it, what insulin you have been taking and when you took it and what blood glucose measurements you have made and when you took them. Being me, I would probably throw in a few more tests than most others.

Then, next time you talk to the nurse you show them the information and ask them to explain what is going on, ask if they are happy with it and whether returning to gliclazide might be a better approach. I have found that talking around real numbers is a good place to start because it makes you get back to basics and you do not start with preconceived opinions.

Last time I saw the DN she did not ask how things were going, she asked for my charts and that led to a far better conversation!

Ah... just seen you have spoken to the nurse and agreed a change. Even so, I would start gathering data because I suspect there will be more conversations to come.

Thanks so much. I will definitely try to keep notes and numbers over the next 2 weeks before our review jn a fortnight. Hoping things improve real soon!

 

[PattiEvans]

I had a call with a diabetes specialist today (not many of the them understand my diabetes-causing circumstances and how to adjust for it). She's agreed to allow me to get off the insulin and go on low dose of Gliclazide again. Hoping it will work.

Is this the nurse at the GPs surgery who sees the diabetics? I'd be surprised if it was a fully qualified Diabetic Specialist nurse working out of a hospital clinic as steroid induced diabetes is actually quite common. I know 2 people, both with ulcerative colitis who have diabetes due to steroids and have met quite a number over my time with various diabetes forums.

Could you give us a general idea of what you eat in a normal day. It's not so much how much, but what foods you are eating e.g. bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, cereals (including porridge) and any baked goods will raise blood sugars quite high and quite fast. Cutting down on these foods might help. Certainly getting an idea of your diet will help us make suitable suggestions.

For what it's worth, steroids can cause weight gain.

 

[London_Star]

Hi. I'm not sure if this is relevant but both Gliclazide and insulin can result in weight gain as they both result in the body having more insulin to use to metabolise the carbs which will be stored a body fat if too high. Do keep the carbs down to help. Obviously with the steroids and mobility issues controlling the BS will not be easy.

Thanks so much for your advice. Much appreciated

 

[London_Star]

Is this the nurse at the GPs surgery who sees the diabetics? I'd be surprised if it was a fully qualified Diabetic Specialist nurse working out of a hospital clinic as steroid induced diabetes is actually quite common. I know 2 people, both with ulcerative colitis who have diabetes due to steroids and have met quite a number over my time with various diabetes forums.

Could you give us a general idea of what you eat in a normal day. It's not so much how much, but what foods you are eating e.g. bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, cereals (including porridge) and any baked goods will raise blood sugars quite high and quite fast. Cutting down on these foods might help. Certainly getting an idea of your diet will help us make suitable suggestions.

For what it's worth, steroids can cause weight gain.

I've just had some bad luck I guess. Eating is a bit mad since contracting Covid. Think it's mental health related to due to extreme anxiety over immediate workplace issues.

Hoping to clear my head and emotions soon and get back to more normal eating.