Diabetes Type 2 Support Group

I take long-acting metformin. Works fine even though it kinda gives me the runs. I also take bitter melon and have just gone back to cinnamon -- I'm taking less insulin already on the combination.

My son's doctor that is doing a study of diabetes in youth says that these drugs are still ok to take, that the studies that were done weren't done in looking for side affects so much as other stuff. So he is still prescribing this with no worries. He said the studies/results/complaints were mostly taken from older 55+ adults that were already in danger of heart issues. They had already taken other drugs for years and years, and that everything he read, doesn't give reason to pull it. I take metformin Extended Release, actos, glyburide, byetta and none of these cause me any concern what-so-ever. I'm not crazy about the side affects of the metformin, but I'm also not crazy for the side affects of high blood sugars.. :) Good luck.

I am on Byetta 10 mcg 2x day before meals, Metformin 1000 mg 2x a day after meals, Glipizide 5 mg 2x a day before meals and take the following supplements Chromium 500 mcg, Bitter Melon, Ginko, Multi-Vitamin, Vitamin C 500 mg, Vitamin E 400 mg, Flax Seed Oil, Lecithin, Black Cohash, B12- 2500 mg chewable, B-complex.

I believe everyone has a to experiment with supplements of works best for their body. I am doing the best since my medications were tweaked in July this year. I now have lost 15 pounds - watching the carbs - and my FBS was 112 this morning. That's a big difference from over 200+ prior to June 2007. I also see an endocrinologist which was the best change for my life.

I am absolutely not sure what to do here. I have also heard the medical journals are not truly researched, but I would think if this were true to a certain extent the FDA would not be black boxing a widely used drug. I do know that my father has coronary heart disease severely so this doubles my risk already, and I have diabetes which is another doubler of risk. So at quadruple risk just sitting there I am not sure I want to take a class of drugs that may very well be another culprit. It is food for thought for me and as to what other drugs I need to take to replace that one if I do indeed get off of it. I understand the 55 plus group is more at risk normally, but I have the diseases of a 55 plus person just not grocery store discount =) lol Not sure I want to be a guinea pig to see what might or might not happen later on down the road with this class of drugs. I mean think about the past where drugs were prescribed and given to people only to find out shortly down the road they were dangerous. I just don't want to be the statistic here.

~ Anp

I had been on Avnadia for five years. I have had a heart attack I am now on a list of medication for my heart. It beats to fast it adds beats about 3 to 4 extra beats per six seconds. I will continue to see a heart doctor the rest of my life. I am 36 years old with a little boy. They now have me on a new drug Januvia it has done great for me. But every person is different. Listen to your doctor and don't be afraid of adding information and asking questions. A lot people are being told that Avandia and the other drugs in question are mostly being questioned and should not be taken by older people. This is not true. I now have a lawyer because of the damage that has been to my heart. At that time I was 32 year old. Becareful and ask questions. Avandia is not dangerous to everyone it is really helping some people. I was just not one the lucky ones