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The Question
09/09/09 12:57 PM

"Trouble with glucovance and levels falling fast or really low"
Asked By: bebory  
Category: Type 1

Background Info Hide
Diagnosed with Type 2 last fall, quit taking glucovance originally 2 tabs 2xa day. Called dr, they changed to 1 tab 2xa day. Levels fell really fast, so they told me to cut the tabs in half and take 1/2 2 x a day. This am ate scrambled eggs, toast 1 piece with jelly and coffee with 1/16 tsp sugar at 8 am - at 9:30 levels 157. At 10:30 started sweating, getting shakes, feeling weak and knew levels were falling. Ate a granola bar and coffee. Felt better. This will happen again later this afternoon. Need to know how to handle this. It is to the point again that I want to stop taking the glucovance because I can't stand the lows in sugar levels. Help me - please.

Expert Answers (1)

09/11/09 10:20 PM

Hello,

Thanks for bringing your question to dLife.

Glucovance is an oral diabetes medication that contains both metformin and glyburide. The metformin increases your insulin sensitivity. Glyburide helps your pancreas secrete more insulin. The 2 medicines are combined to promote better blood glucose (sugar) control.

It apears that even 1/2 tab twice a day might be too much for the amount of carbohydrate you are eating. How many grams of carbohydrates are on your meal plan? What are your blood glucose readings when you got up in the morning? During the rest of the day? Your Hemoglobin A1c? Doing any exercise? Are you losing weight?

Glad that you recognize the signs of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) . Some of these symptoms include hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, and fast heartbeat. If your blood glucose is normally high, a sudden drop in the glucose level can produce symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Check your blood glucose first to be sure that it is hypoglcemia. Then, treat with a source of sugar, such as 4 oz. of juice or 5 oz.regular soda. Glucose tabs (3-4) will also quickly bring blood glucose up. Fats in granola bar would delay the rise in blood glucose.

Talk with your doctor about evaluating your treatment plan and making the necessary adjustments.

Take care.

Answered By: Liz Quintana
Accreditations: EdD, RD, LD, CDE
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