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10/09/09 08:54 AM

"My endo determined that the pills are making my pancreas work double time. What test showed that?"
Asked By: dramawriter2005@yahoo.com  
Category: Type 2

Background Info Hide
Taking glyburide 2.5 when I saw endo for the first time. Now I take glyburide 1.25. BS has dropped by 60 or more points but but still in the low 200's. I'm 59. I have thyroid trouble. Sometimes high, sometimes low. Soy seriously affects my thyroid. I try to stay away from hidden soy. FBS lower since seeing dietitian. Before starting on the pills I controled it beautiful by diet and exercise alone. Went from 250 to 96 after one day of seeing dietitian before pills. After start of pills I went down hill constantly with rising FBS. Allergic to sulfa and I understand glyburide has a small chain of sulfa. Could this be more of an allergic reaction than diabetes. I have been misdiagnosed before with allergy to food additives. What possible endocrin test name determined that I over react?

Expert Answers (1)

10/10/09 08:41 AM

Hello Dramawriter
Glyburide is a sulfonylureas and is indeed a sulfa based drug. You are correct to be concerned if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs. I suggest that you discuss the exact symptoms you have experienced when you have had a reaction to sulfa drugs in the past with both your Endocrinologist and Pharmacist. Discuss risks versus benefits of taking this medication and alternates that may be a safer choice for you.

The side effect of all medications in the sulfonylurea class is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar which can be dramatic and severe. They work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. They are usually ordered early in the course of the disease when the pancreas is still partially functioning. They are fast acting and pass through the body quickly. Most are a twice a day medication with the exception of Glimepiride that is given once a day. These meds can lower the HgA1c levels by 1-2%. This medication is very effective in lowering blood glucose levels, lowering HgA1c levels and is best used with patients that are aware of hypoglycemia signs and symptoms and are prepared to act appropriately if they occur.

You asked about tests that would show how active your pancreas is and also mention thyroid problems. Tests for pancreatic function include lipase and amylase levels. These are other hormones that the pancreas produce along with insulin. Thyroid studies include tests called T3, T4 Tsh. Your Endocrinologist is an expert in the hormone related diseases and can answer in depth the scope of these tests. There is a higher risk for thyroid problems in patients with diabetes.

Answered By: Rita Juray
Accreditations: RN, MLT-ASCP, CCM, CDE
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