Type2 for many years

[Deleted member 21371]

Oh, the other thing no one has asked is if you test your BG?
As you say your glic has recently been increased, and the drug works by stimulating insulin production.
If you are not testing, but take the advice to cut carbs, you may hypo.
Personally, I'd discuss that with my HCP as well.

 

[rebrascora]

Hi and welcome from me too.

Sorry to hear you are having some issues which are affecting your quality of life and no doubt your confidence. The toileting troubles you mention.... are we talking about needing to wee a lot more frequently which can be down to high BG levels or are we talking diarrheoa which might be a side effect of diabetes medication or could be something else entirely? Have you discussed the issue with your GP?

I would hope that you have been supplied with a BG test meter since you are taking Gliclazide.... If so, when do you test and what sort of results do you get?
Are you seeing any noticeable weight loss or weight gain? Do you have much/any weight to lose?
When you were first diagnosed 20 years ago, can you remember how that came about? Was it picked up on a routine blood test or did you have symptoms?
Has your HbA1c always been that high or has it gradually increased over the years? Whilst 70 isn't huge, it is certainly higher than you would want to maintain it over a long period of time, so just wondering if things have deteriorated over time or if it has always been a battle to bring levels down.

The once a week injectables can help with weight loss and I believe work by sending a signal to tell your body you are full when you have eaten a much smaller amount than usual. It can give you a feeling of nausea because of that but has been successful for many people. I think it may be more effective for people who are significantly overweight and suffering with insulin resistance. I don't know if this applies to you or if it may just be that your own insulin production is waning and you are no longer able to produce enough.
Have you been on Gliclazide a long time or is that a recent addition to your medication? Gliclazide works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, but if your insulin production is already struggling then it can be like flogging a dead horse.... it just doesn't achieve anything. If you are significantly overweight then obviously losing weight would help but if you are already quite slim, then that may not be viable. If you are losing weight and your BG levels are rising then that would suggest that you are not a typical Type 2 and Gliclazide may not be helpful. If you are gaining weight or already significantly overweight then the weekly injectables might be a better option.

Apologies for all the questions and I appreciate that some of them are a bit personal but knowing a bit more about your circumstances might make the situation a little clearer.