Diabetic Recipes
At the end of this month, I'll see my endocrinologist for the first time since leaving the hospital with that adorable little bundle of joy. Prior to getting pregnant, I started taking insulin and I'm still on it. When I see the doctor again, I'll have the opportunity to change things up. Now that I'm done breastfeeding, I can go back on oral medications and put the insulin behind me.
Today, I started questioning if I really want to do that. What are the pros and cons of oral meds versus insulin? The obvious is a pill versus a shot, but after 15 months on insulin, I really don't have a problem with needles. Insulin is natural and the only real side effect is low blood sugar. Most oral meds have much worse side effects, like upset stomachs, headaches and rashes, in addition to hypoglycemia.
Weight gain is a big concern for me. I'm struggling hard to lose weight, so I wonder how the addition of oral meds could compound the problem. Of course, most days I worry that insulin is hindering my weight loss efforts too. But does insulin really cause weight gain or is it that it allows me to eat whatever I want while still maintaining healthy blood sugar. I know I have a propensity toward putting on weight (it's in my genes), but if insulin itself caused weight gain, why are there so many slim Type 1s? Do these people just have a natural tendency to be thin or do they have to work hard at it too?
Then there's byetta. It can help with weight loss, though the side effects can be pretty bad, I hear, and the level of control you'll achieve with it is questionable. And I'm not sure if my iffy insurance will cover it.
Life insurance is another reason I'm thinking about changing from insulin to oral medicine. When I called last fall to increase my coverage they asked about my health and questioned my diabetes. When they found out I was taking insulin, she clucked her tongue and said that it would affect my premiums. It hardly seems fair.
I think my doctor also just assumes I want off insulin, since it seems like that's what most people want. And if you don't need to take insulin to live, why would you want to, I guess.
I have a lot of thinking to do in the next few weeks, but I'm totally open to suggestions and advice. Please let me know what you think.
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July 5th, 2008
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01-07-2008 1:21 PM EST by Rebecca Abma
Categories: Type 2 Oral Meds Insulin & Pumps Highs & Lows Women's Issues
Tags: Side effects
Views: 3848
Categories: Type 2 Oral Meds Insulin & Pumps Highs & Lows Women's Issues
Tags: Side effects
Views: 3848
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What happens when a health writer develops a chronic illness? As Rebecca K. Abma can tell you, it turns into an obsession. Since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in December 2003, 90 percent of her non-work computer time is spent researching the disease and chatting with fellow diabetics. (Read More)
Latest Posts: New Obsessions | My New Favorite Color is Green | Time Off For Good Behavior
Kim Doty has had Gestational and/or Type 2 diabetes since 2003. She lives in Colorado with her husband and children. She blogs about her world at On Line On Life On Insulin.(Read More)
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-Rachel B (Viewpoints columnist & http://talesofmy30s.wordpress.com)
My nutritionist had my endo up my metformin to max dose (2000 mg/daily) for the weight loss benefits. A lot of people have terrible time with Met side-effects but after about 2 weeks, I haven't had any. Dr. Hale says it's safe for breastfeeding too.
Ooops, I didn't see you were done breastfeeding - that does open up all the options for you. Good luck!
I am a male so breast feeding is out. However, I have been a diabetic for 37 years and have been on insulin for the same amount of time. I started out on beef and pork 6U, and have worked up to Lantus and Humalog amount varies.
I take Metformin 850mg X3. I feel great at 70 no issues eyes, legs, etc..insulin is a natural harmone. What could be more natural than to take something that is meant to be used. It was a no brainier then as now. stay well. Don Turney
At age 83, I've been on pills for type II diabetes for over 20 years and have had to change pills, such as Metformin, due to complications. Curently, my pills (at max usage) are not keeping my A1c below 7 and I feel sure that my primary physicin will recommend insulin during my next 3 month checkup. I have no reservations about taking insulin and feel it will be the right choice.
PEACE!
At age 83, I've been on pills for type II diabetes for over 20 years and have had to change pills, such as Metformin, due to complications. Curently, my pills (at max usage) are not keeping my A1c below 7 and I feel sure that my primary physicin will recommend insulin during my next 3 month checkup. I have no reservations about taking insulin and feel it will be the right choice.
PEACE!
If the insulin is working for you I would stay with it. As you said you have far less side effects to deal with. Depending on the insulin you are taking you have a lot of flexably. I take Lantus and Apidra and really get good results. I have an A1C of 5.9. You might want to talk to your doctor about these. GOOD LUCK
I ditched the insulin in favor of Byetta. My insurance won't pay for it unless I have metformin, too. So I go to Walmart and get 60 pills of metformin but don't take them. Yes, I was sick for 11 weeks on the Byetta; but the doctor gave me pheneragen. Now I am down from 186 to 142 pounds and my AiC yesterday was 5.8. I can now stop lantus at night for 2 weeks to see what happens. I am already down from 52 units at night to 6 units. Actos put 30 pounds on me. I love Byetta, but FDA has not approved it for diabetic care. That is why you have to have a scrip for metformin. But my doctor says I don't need the metformin.
I am 66 and grandmother to 8 who live within 5 miles of Papa and me. Do what works for you.
Nobody cares about you as much as you do!
Grandmother Ra-Ra
I have been on insulin since May 2007 when I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. The Metformin kept my stomach upset, and I was constantly nauseous. I have done so much better with the insulin. I have always had a stomach that tolerates few medications. I hope I can stay on insulin as I doubt that there is a pill out there that won't cause me to be nauseated all the time. You need to do what works best for you.
Carolyn in Georgia
Rebecca, we tried all three for me, the pills, the byetta and now the insulin. The pills didn't work for me. apparently the insulin I make is unusable for my body. We tried the byetta. I was able to drop 10 pounds right away, because of the nausea constantly. I also was totally unable to sleep while using it. My blood sugars went crazy, but the kidney problems I was battling anyway got even worse. I am using Humalog and Lantus insulin now and have far better control. Weight loss will come or not. I think you should do whatever gives you the best control and makes you feel the best. That way you can enjoy your life and your baby. Why not just sit down and discuss with your doctor what you want to try. Nothing is set in stone and if you don't like what you are using or the side effects, change it to something else. That is why it is better to be a diabetic now than even ten years ago. I don't wish this disease on anyone, but i would rather be doing it now than before. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you choose. Just remember that we each are different. What works for one doesn't work for another. And there is no right or wrong. We each are unique. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. We each learn from one another and just hearing how your day is going helps me with mine.
Saundra
I'm right there with you sister. I'm still nursing my 5 week old and plan to for as many months as I can. I've got 3 others, so I'm hoping to go for at least 3 months. The OB said to go back on Metformin following delivery, but I decided to stay on insulin. I know they say it's safe during breastfeeding, but I don't feel there has been sufficient research. It's known that Metformin is transferred via breastmilk. It is upsetting to my stomach, so I assume it would upset hers as well. She already has to deal with my chocolate and spice intake. I plan on following the same course that I took with my 3rd son. I stayed on insulin until he was weaned and then went back on Metformin. I tend to bounce around a lot on insulin and have the bad habit of eating things I shouldn't because I know that I can just take more insulin. On Metformin, I lose weight quickly and stay pretty stable with my readings. I'm definitely more compliant with my diet when I'm taking Metformin. My endo isn't sold on Byetta for me just yet.
Congratulations on your baby! Good luck with whatever decision you make.
I am type 2 for approximately 2 1/2 years. I currently take metformin and Actos in combination plus my doctor started me on Byetta hoping to bring my weight down. As to the question of insulin or pills-some occupations will not allow you to take insulin and still perform your job. I drive on a CDL and unless there special circumstances met I cannot maintain my CDL if I begin on insulin. For most people this is not an issue but for professional drivers DOT is very strict about maintaining a CDL and injecting insulin.
I am diabetec for more than 15 yrs.I took oral medications for last 15 yrs and now I am taking lantus and novolog insulin. My morning fasting sugars are always between 100-120, but post prandial readings are around 180-200.No matter how I adjust my dosage, diet or food intake, I always see drop of 70-90 in the morning.Can any one explain the reason for this?
Just started the blog thing so I hope this gets thru. In a recent recipe I read, someone gave all engredients and then spoiled it with Splenda. I would never give my children that. It's not natural and a bit of sugar in the whole of a recipe is just ok. Now, for another topic. I am on Metformin for about 3 years, have not lost a pound, no upsets. My endo suggested Byretta which had signs all over her office. I am inclined to think she was just pushing the product. I don't exercise the way I should, but my a1c's are good. Any suggestions?