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10/30/09 10:58 PM

"I take 2 meds for type 2. I can show a glucose reading around 125, and three hours later, with no food consumption, a glucose level above 200. How?"

Asked By: bjdcpa

Category: Type 2

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Taking metformin and glipizide as prescribed. First 8 years glucose levels easy to control with oral medication and diet with some exercise. Lately, glucose levels are random.

Expert Answers (1)

11/04/09 08:02 PM

Dear bjdcpa, Thank you for your question regarding oral diabetes medications. Researchers have found out that some of the drugs in the class that glyburide and glipizide are in lose much of their effectiveness over years of use. Probably 5-10 years is the longest effective time to use that class of drugs. You may be experiencing this effect. Another possible factor is that you had a meal with many grams of carbohdyrates and the medications had worn off. Also when did you test your blood sugar? Testing too soon after the meal might give you higher readings.

Answered By: Janice Fisher

Accreditations: RD, LD, PHD, CDE, BC-ADM

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Community Answers (2)

11/06/09 12:59 PM

The reason that oral meds like Glipizide lose effectiveness over the years is that they push your Beta cells to produce more insulin in the face of your insulin resistance and exhaust your Beta cells over time. High blood glucose levels, well under 200, have been shown to be detrimental to Beta cell functioning. You need to discuss your options with your doctor. Metformin works to sensitize your body to the insulin you have and also controls the liver's tendency to dump stored sugar at inappropriate times. Metformin does not work to exhaust Beta cells.

Answered By: ramaro

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11/06/09 11:25 AM

The body stores glucose in the liver, if it senses you need energy it will release sugar and cause a high much like dawn affect does. That is why they suggest we eat small meals several times a day. This could be what happened to you food is not the only thing that raises bs, were you under stress if so that also would account for a high bs.

Answered By: furball64801

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