New member
Andrew, this is a great idea. I joined a chat group from the Byetta
manufacturers which has been interesting and helpful.
I have been on Byetta for 10 weeks. I had general malaise for a
good 6 weeks; subtle nausea, tired, lethargic, short focus. I also
stopped exercising since I had little to no energy after putting in
10-12 hour average work days. Have been feeling much better
recently; nausea ever so slight once in a while; still somewhat
tired but okay; focus is back and lethargy is waning. One main
problem which I am not certain has anything to do with Byetta:
loosing my hair; Falling out daily. Coincidental to timing of
beginning Byetta. Will be going for a thyroid test but I think it’s
the Byetta.
I may be getting my sugars under a better control, but I will be
bald. I never was blessed with a full lush head of hair, but BALD.
Have not been good about taking my sugars regularly but without
Byetta and off the insulin, eating 50% good and 50% cheating, were
at 280-425. That’s why I went on Byetta. My sugars are still high
when I eat "bad food" are at 180-200; when I eat "good food" sugars
are 160-140. I believe that once I get back to the 3 miles a day
walking I was doing, my sugars will go down.
The whole trick to this awful disease: Eat the right foods, eat at
the right time, don’t overeat, exercise regularly, sleep 7-8 hours a
night. Sure, in a dream world!
Talk to you soon.
Andrea
February 1st, 2003 at 8:18 pm
Hi Andrea,
I went through a period when I lost my hair but I was not on byetta. I had
elevated calcium levels and when I had surgery to correct the cause, my
hair started growing back. I’ll never have and never had a thick head of
hair but now I don’t have to wear a hairpiece. You might want to get that
checked and of course as you know, your thyroid. Some people have had
great success using biotin.
Best,
Jane
February 2nd, 2003 at 5:03 am
Jane,
Thanks for the tip. I don’t take extra calcium as I used to but who knows I
will have this checked out. Thanks again.
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
I went through a period when I lost my hair but I was not on byetta. I had
elevated calcium levels and when I had surgery to correct the cause, my
hair started growing back. I’ll never have and never had a thick head of
hair but now I don’t have to wear a hairpiece. You might want to get that
checked and of course as you know, your thyroid. Some people have had
great success using biotin.
Best,
Jane
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Anything posted in this group is the opinion of the person who posted it.
February 3rd, 2003 at 8:39 am
I would like to propose that we, as a group, not refer to food or
eating as bad or good.
We all do the best we can. Sometimes we get the results we want and
sometimes we don’t.
Using words like bad or cheating suggests a value judgment and I don’t
find that helpful in the long run. The way Andrew described it as being
less vigilant is more helpful. It lets our disease be just that: a
disease. It also removes the idea that being ill is somehow my fault.
Type 2 diabetes is genetic. The only thing that we have any control
over is how soon we might get it.
Does that make any sense?
Thanks for listening!
Anne
February 3rd, 2003 at 3:17 pm
It does make sense.
Jane
February 4th, 2003 at 12:05 am
Oh gads - Honey! I love the stuff but can’t even have a tsp of it on my
toast without it causing my blood sugars to skyrocket. Bad food, honey
is…. bad bad bad
Genes? I keep hearing that. My great-grandfather died when he was 54 in
1916 of diabetes complications. He’s the only other person in my family who
has diabetes. So ppffft on genes. For some people it might be, for others,
it probably has a lot to do with diet and activity level. I know I was a
carb fanatic and semi-couch potato. I *hate* exercise, especially aerobics -
that breathless feeling gives me the creeps! I was always the last one to
be picked for a team during PE in school. I’m also the only person in the
family with <long list of health problems>. So what am I? Some major
genetic mutation???? Or are a lot of these problems due to my lifestyle?
I have lab records going back quite a few years and looking back at my
fasting blood sugars it was rare that one was under 110 or even under 125
but docs never said anything to me other than "you should probably watch
your diet" (I did - I watched every spoonful of ice cream as it went into my
mouth!)
I can honestly say I didn’t know any better "back then" and had I known
10-15 years ago what I know now, I probably wouldn’t have diabetes. I would
have started eating healthier (maybe…) and at least getting out and
walking more. And the eating habits I grew up with are hard to break (I
still think of the starving children in India and how a cookie or ice cream
would make me feel better)
So yes, I did put myself here, unknowingly because doctors who should have
known better never really slapped me upside the head to wake me up! I’m not
blaming it on genetics!
Sherry
I am giving my opinion as a list member, not making a ruling as the
moderator.
I don’t have a problem with calling food good or bad. I usually refer to the
"good stuff" as evil food, because of what it does to my blood sugar. I go
so far as to personify some food, by saying that wheat LIKES to give me
spikes.
Being a guy, I can compartmentalize things easily. At least I think that is
a guy trait. Anyway, I have no problem eating bad food while being a good
person. In other words, my behavior can be bad, but I am still a good
person.
To cloud the issue further, while I had the genes for it, I think my
behavior pushed me over the edge into diabetesland. I used to eat about a
pound of honey per day in tea, and drink a lot, and that combo probably did
the trick. Does that mean that I am to blame. Probably not, but frankly it
is not a question I worry about. I accept how I am, and knowing how I got
here really won’t help me deal with things right now.
I don’t konw where this all fits with your post, but I agree that we are not
bad people just because we have a disease. That is just the way things are.
I just wish there was a mechanic I could take this machine I call my body
and get it overhauled so it would handle the fuel I like to give it.
Enough rambling.
Please anyone else chime in on this thread.
March 19th, 2003 at 4:11 pm
Hi,
I joined this forum in hopes of finding out the pros and cons of using
Byetta.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Pam, I am 52 and have had type 2 for 13
years (I
found out I was diabetic 2 weeks before I found out i was pregnant with my
one and only child). At the beginning of my pregnancy I was put on insulins
until I gave birth.
After my son was born my BS was fine….no meds, no insulin, no monitors.
It stayed that way for 6 years and then 7 years ago BS started to get out of
control. The meds started ….First Glucophage, 2 years later Glucotrol, 2
years later Avandia. For the last six months my BS has been consistently
over 200, totally out of control. My GP thinks I have become resistant to
the meds. He finally sent me to a endo (damn HMO) and both of us think
Byetta might be a good fit for me. My BIL has been on it since the
beginning and he thinks its great. I have many questions about BYETTA.
1) Needle size (in comparison to insulin injections)
2) Dosages
3 Side effects not including weight loss and nausea
Much more later.
Thanks in advance
Pam in NYC
——-Original Message——-
We have several new members. I know Ruby welcomed you a sll, but I wanted to
do so also.
When you get a minute, please post an intro so we know a little about you.
How is Byetta
doing for you? Any problems with it? Any success? Anything unexpected about
it?
Andrew
Anything posted in this group is the opinion of the person who posted it.
SPONSORED LINKS Illness Andrew Ada
Diabetic Support groups Position
March 20th, 2003 at 6:49 am
Good Luck
Joy
I joined this forum in hopes of finding out the pros and cons of using
Byetta.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Pam, I am 52 and have had type 2 for 13
years (I
found out I was diabetic 2 weeks before I found out i was pregnant with my
one and only child). At the beginning of my pregnancy I was put on insulins
until I gave birth.
After my son was born my BS was fine….no meds, no insulin, no monitors.
It stayed that way for 6 years and then 7 years ago BS started to get out of
control. The meds started ….First Glucophage, 2 years later Glucotrol, 2
years later Avandia. For the last six months my BS has been consistently
over 200, totally out of control. My GP thinks I have become resistant to
the meds. He finally sent me to a endo (damn HMO) and both of us think
Byetta might be a good fit for me. My BIL has been on it since the
beginning and he thinks its great. I have many questions about BYETTA.
1) Needle size (in comparison to insulin injections)
2) Dosages
3 Side effects not including weight loss and nausea
Much more later.
Thanks in advance
Pam in NYC
——-Original Message——-
We have several new members. I know Ruby welcomed you a sll, but I wanted to
do so also.
When you get a minute, please post an intro so we know a little about you.
How is Byetta
doing for you? Any problems with it? Any success? Anything unexpected about
it?
Andrew
Anything posted in this group is the opinion of the person who posted it.
SPONSORED LINKS Illness Andrew Ada
Diabetic Support groups Position
Visit your group "Diabetes_And_Byetta" on the web.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Anything posted in this group is the opinion of the person who posted it.
SPONSORED LINKS
Illness Andrew Ada Diabetic Support groups Position
Visit your group "Diabetes_And_Byetta" on the web.
———————————
July 7th, 2003 at 8:33 pm
Hi John, I recognize your name from another place, but this is the first time I
have seen your story in a concise form. Your progress with this disease and
your life is amazing. You really are a model for all of us on byetta. Thanks
for sharing your story. Pat in Idaho
I felt my Endo had lost faith in me, after all, I had lost faith in
myself. So I decided to find another Endo with a different slant on
things. I went back to an Endo I had when first diagnosed with DM. I
walked in the office and he said "Would you like to do some tests to
see if you are a candidate for a new class of drugs which is just
coming on the market." I said "Sure". June 11 I went on Byetta and
took my first shot in the office. My Endo suggested that I cut my
Lantus in half. When I arrived home my BG was 95. I wasn’t about to
take Lantus. I called my Endo and he said don’t take any more Insulin
as of today. From June 11 until today I have not taken any Insulin. I
have lost 68 lb. My A1c went from 7.6 to 6.7, my energy is huge, my
attitude is excellent, my depression is gone, my cholrestrol is normal
and even better, my BP is 130 over 74 (varies a bit), my c-peptide
went from 1.1 (non fasting) to 4.7 (non fasting) indicating that my
beta cells are beginning to produce my own insulin, I am on 1000 mg of
Fortament ER twice a day, and I am walking every day. All my blood
work is normal.
I went though every single negative possibility with Byetta and I was
glad to do it. Even a couple of weeks ago I spent the day hurling and
that was a first for me. But for the most part I am no longer having
any bad reactions. I am not testing like I did in the beginning. I had
to send in reports every day and tested 5 or 6 times a day. I was
faithful to that responsibility but I have dropped off recently. I am
pulling my own covers because I want to get back. As soon as I finish
this post I will find the meter and test.
In the midst of all this with Byetta my wife, Sue, was killed in a
single car crash. It was a disaster. My friends and family rallied
round and somehow we got though or are getting though. She died on Oct
10, 2005. My BG went crazy. I lost my direction but still I did not
fail to keep up with Byetta. The members of the blog I was on were
tremendous and held me up. I am doing well now and it is a slow
process. But it is doable. I can breathe. I include this because it is
part of the story of my life and of Byetta.
My goal weight is 145 but I will settle for 155. I am 180 now. I feel
one of Byetta’s advantages is losing weight. It has never been so
simple. I know that is not true for everyone. The regeneration of Beta
Cells is not something the company wants to claim yet but I have my
suspcions that they must know something. I feel this is another
advantage of Byetta. Are we seeing the reversal of diabetes? Some I
know are planning their end game. What to do after Byetta. I am not. I
am simply learning as I go. Sometimes not very fast. Making new
contacts with folks who also have diabetes. Learning how to tell my
story. Helping where I can and asking for help along the way.
I was so thrilled to receive an invitation to join this group that I
didn’t even think twice. The group I was in had very few people on
Byetta and I felt a sense in which they were not about to embrace
Byetta. I believe it is the right time for me. And for all of us. We
may be Lizard Lovers but we are also lovers of life. We owe a huge
debt to those who have been before us and I am gratiful to be able to
see this day. Thank you for letting me run on like this. I am not even
July 8th, 2003 at 3:28 am
Welcome to the group John!!!!
I am so sorry for your loss
July 8th, 2003 at 9:32 am
John,
Welcome. I have to say that it was a few things in this paragraph:
"I
have lost 68 lb. My A1c went from 7.6 to 6.7, my energy is huge, my
attitude is excellent, my depression is gone, my cholrestrol is normal
and even better, my BP is 130 over 74 (varies a bit), my c-peptide
went from 1.1 (non fasting) to 4.7 (non fasting) indicating that my
beta cells are beginning to produce my own insulin, I am on 1000 mg of
Fortament ER twice a day, and I am walking every day. All my blood
work is normal.
"
that had my tearing up, particularly regarding getting rid of
insulin, no more depression, A1C numbers down. I am very happy for a
complete stranger to have such results. (This goes for all of you
here.) Trading twice a day Byetta for multiple insulin shots daily is
a huge change of life.
And then I read the rest of your post. God Bless you, man.
My results have so far been increased energy levels, stable energy
levels, decreased depression, 45 point average decrease in BG’s on a
daily average basis. I am due for a hA1C test. The most immediate
and quantifiable change is returning home from work and having energy
left, instead of feeling grumpy or worse. It’s not fair to my kids
to be grumpy all the time.
I too am on Fortamet 1000mg.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Ivan
July 8th, 2003 at 1:35 pm
John, I too enjoyed reading your history on Byetta. First let me
say how sorry I am to hear about your wife. I’m sure though John she
would be very proud of your taking charge of your diabetes and the
way you are making your way in life right now. It takes much more
strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other rather than
just giving up. I admire you for that and hope you stay on that
path.
I hope you don’t mind, I had to forward it to a friend (I probably
should of asked first!) who with my encouragement is just going to
take her first byetta shot today. Of course she is suffering from
the initial fear as we all did. I just think it will be very
encouraging for her to see what it can be for her.
July 8th, 2003 at 7:17 pm
John, thank you for your heartwarming message and hope you bring to all
of us. I’m sorry about the loss of your wife. I’m sure she is so very
proud of you. Your continued success is a legacy to her. I thank you for
being a part of our group.
Janie
July 9th, 2003 at 4:49 am
To the formerly grumpy Ivan, Thanks for the welcome. I am happy to meet you
and to share this space with you. It is the sense of well being that seems like
the greatest gain to me. Keep coming back, it works. Your friend, John
July 9th, 2003 at 8:09 am
Hi John:
I recognized your name and story from the "other blog". Glad to hear you
pulled through and are still on track and doing great. Good luck and best
wishes.
Joy
I felt my Endo had lost faith in me, after all, I had lost faith in
myself. So I decided to find another Endo with a different slant on
things. I went back to an Endo I had when first diagnosed with DM. I
walked in the office and he said "Would you like to do some tests to
see if you are a candidate for a new class of drugs which is just
coming on the market." I said "Sure". June 11 I went on Byetta and
took my first shot in the office. My Endo suggested that I cut my
Lantus in half. When I arrived home my BG was 95. I wasn’t about to
take Lantus. I called my Endo and he said don’t take any more Insulin
as of today. From June 11 until today I have not taken any Insulin. I
have lost 68 lb. My A1c went from 7.6 to 6.7, my energy is huge, my
attitude is excellent, my depression is gone, my cholrestrol is normal
and even better, my BP is 130 over 74 (varies a bit), my c-peptide
went from 1.1 (non fasting) to 4.7 (non fasting) indicating that my
beta cells are beginning to produce my own insulin, I am on 1000 mg of
Fortament ER twice a day, and I am walking every day. All my blood
work is normal.
I went though every single negative possibility with Byetta and I was
glad to do it. Even a couple of weeks ago I spent the day hurling and
that was a first for me. But for the most part I am no longer having
any bad reactions. I am not testing like I did in the beginning. I had
to send in reports every day and tested 5 or 6 times a day. I was
faithful to that responsibility but I have dropped off recently. I am
pulling my own covers because I want to get back. As soon as I finish
this post I will find the meter and test.
In the midst of all this with Byetta my wife, Sue, was killed in a
single car crash. It was a disaster. My friends and family rallied
round and somehow we got though or are getting though. She died on Oct
10, 2005. My BG went crazy. I lost my direction but still I did not
fail to keep up with Byetta. The members of the blog I was on were
tremendous and held me up. I am doing well now and it is a slow
process. But it is doable. I can breathe. I include this because it is
part of the story of my life and of Byetta.
My goal weight is 145 but I will settle for 155. I am 180 now. I feel
one of Byetta’s advantages is losing weight. It has never been so
simple. I know that is not true for everyone. The regeneration of Beta
Cells is not something the company wants to claim yet but I have my
suspcions that they must know something. I feel this is another
advantage of Byetta. Are we seeing the reversal of diabetes? Some I
know are planning their end game. What to do after Byetta. I am not. I
am simply learning as I go. Sometimes not very fast. Making new
contacts with folks who also have diabetes. Learning how to tell my
story. Helping where I can and asking for help along the way.
I was so thrilled to receive an invitation to join this group that I
didn’t even think twice. The group I was in had very few people on
Byetta and I felt a sense in which they were not about to embrace
Byetta. I believe it is the right time for me. And for all of us. We
may be Lizard Lovers but we are also lovers of life. We owe a huge
debt to those who have been before us and I am gratiful to be able to
see this day. Thank you for letting me run on like this. I am not even
sure we are supposed to tell our story but I believe it is helpful.
John Dodson PS> Is there any spell check on this blog?
Anything posted in this group is the opinion of the person who posted it.
SPONSORED LINKS
Illness Andrew Ada Diabetic Position
Visit your group "Diabetes_And_Byetta" on the web.
———————————
———————————
July 9th, 2003 at 1:25 pm
Thank you Jenna for your thoughtful note. I appreciate your kind words about
my wife. I know she would have appreciated what is happening right now. She
was my cheerleader.
Of course you can share anything I write. We are all in this together and the
purpose is to help each other. I have received so much help whatever I can do
July 9th, 2003 at 5:43 pm
Thank you Joy for your greetings. I guess they are some of us here from the
July 9th, 2003 at 9:23 pm
Whats Fortamet??
Rebecca
July 9th, 2003 at 11:51 pm
Thanks John, my friends comments was "keep sending me these kinds of
inspiring stories!!! " You did help her
out today. I am having a lovely day John, I’m in Arizona and this time
of the year the weather can’t be beat.
I’m sure you feel the same way about California right now.
Jeanna
Thank you Jenna for your thoughtful note. I appreciate your kind words
about
my wife. I know she would have appreciated what is happening right now.
She
was my cheerleader.
Of course you can share anything I write. We are all in this together
and the
purpose is to help each other. I have received so much help whatever I
can do
I am happy to do. Hope you are having a lovely day where ever you are.
Your
friend, John
Dr. John L. Dodson
Coach and Consultant for Capital Campaigns
United Methodist Foundation
23 Woodmill Lane
Felton, CA, 95018
(H) 831 335-7586
(C) 831 588-9856
(FAX) 831 335-5481
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Anything posted in this group is the opinion of the person who posted
it.
_____
_____
July 10th, 2003 at 5:05 am
welcome John this is a very good group
I am a lurker most of the time but your email touched me
I am sorry about your wife
Thank you Joy for your greetings. I guess they are some of us here from the
other blog. It was just to overwhelming for me. And I couldn’t keep up. Good to
be here. Hope you are having a great day. John
Dr. John L. Dodson
Coach and Consultant for Capital Campaigns
United Methodist Foundation
23 Woodmill Lane
Felton, CA, 95018
(H) 831 335-7586
(C) 831 588-9856
(FAX) 831 335-5481
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Anything posted in this group is the opinion of the person who posted it.
SPONSORED LINKS Illness Andrew Ada
Diabetic Position
July 10th, 2003 at 1:37 pm
Hi John,
Glad you have joined our group! I found your story very inspiring. I have
not had nearly the good results you have had but I am working on it.
July 10th, 2003 at 7:31 pm
Dear Rebecca. Fortament ER is a form of Extended Release Metformin. I don’t
know why it is called by such a different name. I should have noted what is
was. Hope you are having a great day, John
July 10th, 2003 at 11:49 pm
Thank you Patsy. I am often a lurker in various places. Now that doesn’t
sound right but you know what I mean. I appreciated your care and concern. John
July 11th, 2003 at 8:25 am
Hi Patricia, Thanks for the personal welcome. I have several friends on
Byetta and we all seem to be at various stages. I think the answer is to
perserve.
I have had times when I felt very discouraged too. I just ploughed on though.
Let me know how it is going for you. What is your story. John
July 13th, 2003 at 5:31 am
Hi, Yours is the first results I’ve seen for C-peptide tests. I’m guessing
that is a substantial improvement. What is normal and have you seen or heard of
other similar results? Thanks, Pat
July 13th, 2003 at 9:32 am
I’m confused about a C-peptide and what it is used for. I just had
one done and it was like 6. something. The range was low and all the PA
said is that just tells us if your a type 1 or 2?? I’ve even done some
searching on the internet and never really got any good info.
July 13th, 2003 at 2:07 pm
Hopefully John will give us more details. The C-peptide test is used to
determine if your beta cells are still functioning. The beta cells are involved
in the making of insulin so are a big concern. There is some speculation that
byetta may regenerate beta cells. John’s result suggests that maybe that is
happening, but I’d sure like some more details. Pat in Idaho
July 13th, 2003 at 6:08 pm
Thanks Andrew, I found that very informative.
Jeanna
Anything posted in this group is the opinion of the person who posted
it.
_____
_____
July 14th, 2003 at 12:54 am
Hi, My test was non fasting and was an improvement from 1.1 non fasting taken
in March before Byetta. I was something like 4.6. That would indicate growth
in the direction of regeneration of beta cells. My Endo was very pleased with
that results. That was in December and I am due for another test in April.
Hope all is well, John
July 14th, 2003 at 5:12 am
I will share what I know thus far. I believe the c-peptide measures the
amount of insulin being produced by the beta cells in the Pancreas. It is used
to
determine if you are producing to much insulin and causing lows. The normal
values are .05-2.5 and that should be fasting. If you have a 6 that could
indicate you are producing to much insulin. The insulin and peptide molecule is
produced as one large molecule from which the c-peptide splits off. There is no
known value to the c-peptide cell.
When, as in my case, the test is done non fasting ie. after breakfast, a
reading of 4.6 after establishing a baseline several months earlier of 1.1, non
fasting, would indicate that I am growning beta cells. My Endo sez a reading of
10 will be an indication of regeneration of beta cells and will suggest that
my time with Byetta may be over. That could be interesting. John (I would like
to have someone more knowledgeable to check me on the facts.)
July 14th, 2003 at 7:19 am
Thanks for responding. This sure sounds promising. Let us know what happens in
April. Pat
Hope all is well, John
Dr. John L. Dodson
Coach and Consultant for Capital Campaigns
United Methodist Foundation
23 Woodmill Lane
Felton, CA, 95018
(H) 831 335-7586
July 14th, 2003 at 2:18 pm
not sure if this will help, but is all i could come up with on short notice.
C-peptide : This is a fragment cleaved off of the precursor of insulin
(pro-insulin) when insulin is manufactured in the pancreas. C-peptide levels
usually correlate with the insulin levels, except when people take insulin
injections. When a patient is hypoglycemic, this test may be useful to determine
whether high insulin levels are due to excessive pancreatic release of insulin,
or from an injection of insulin.
Jeanna
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Anything posted in this group is the opinion of the person who posted it.
SPONSORED LINKS
Illness Andrew Ada Diabetic Position
Visit your group "Diabetes_And_Byetta" on the web.
———————————
July 14th, 2003 at 3:45 pm
Thanks to all of you that responded regarding the C-peptide. I read
everything you sent links for and all your e-mails. I have been told
so many things by so many different doctors from can tell if the
patient is a type 1 or type 2, to it’s just a check to see if a
patient is taking insulin on the sly to it tells them how much
insulin your pancreas is making.
Now here’s a question, if you have a pancrreas that is making too
much insulin, why would insulin shots be good? I know it’s suppose
to help give the pancreas a bit of a rest but if your already making
too much………..
thank you all for your help
July 14th, 2003 at 10:23 pm
Dear Jenna, I think what they are concerned about is Insulin Resistance
cells. Your pancreas is trying to produce more insulin so that your cells can be
flooded with insulin. But I am in over my head. One of the experts on this blog
will need to come to the rescue. I also think it is possible your Dr. was
interested to know if you were in danger of going to low in BG.
Isn’t it amazing what you can hear from your medical people. It makes you
realize they are just like you and me, struggling to understand this disease.
That is why having so many heads on this blog results eventually in good
information. At least I trust that everyone here is trying to discern the truth.
That
gives me confidence. It isn’t that we are always right but it is eventually we
will arrive at the answer that makes sense. Have a great one. John
July 17th, 2003 at 1:38 pm
Jeanna, your pancreas may be making a lot of insulin, but, for various
reasons your body is unable to use it. Your insulin may be corrupt and
ineffective, your insulin receptors may not be able to take up the
insulin, your bgs may be so high, particularly with a high carb diet,
that no matter how much insulin you make, it is not enough.
When you introduce insulin to the body, the insulin is not corrupt, your
insulin receptors may do a better job of receiving it, or they may simply
be so overwhelmed with both self made and injected insulin that some is
put to work. Or you may simply not have enough insulin and this makes
the difference.
It is possible, for it has happened to me, that once the body homeostasis
is restored, the receptors have learned, once again, to recognize
insulin, the pancreas has rested enough that it produces "good" insulin,
you go on a very controlled carb diet, and you find you no longer need to
shoot insulin.
If you keep on top of your condition, eating and exercising properly, you
might be able to go years before needing some outside help again.
July 18th, 2003 at 5:36 am
Thanks Helen
Jeanna, your pancreas may be making a lot of insulin, but, for various
reasons your body is unable to use it. Your insulin may be corrupt and
ineffective, your insulin receptors may not be able to take up the
insulin, your bgs may be so high, particularly with a high carb diet,
that no matter how much insulin you make, it is not enough.
When you introduce insulin to the body, the insulin is not corrupt, your
insulin receptors may do a better job of receiving it, or they may
simply
be so overwhelmed with both self made and injected insulin that some is
put to work. Or you may simply not have enough insulin and this makes
the difference.
It is possible, for it has happened to me, that once the body
homeostasis
is restored, the receptors have learned, once again, to recognize
insulin, the pancreas has rested enough that it produces "good" insulin,
you go on a very controlled carb diet, and you find you no longer need
to
shoot insulin.
If you keep on top of your condition, eating and exercising properly,
you
might be able to go years before needing some outside help again.
Helen
Anything posted in this group is the opinion of the person who posted
it.
_____
_____
September 7th, 2004 at 3:41 pm
I am so excited to be a new user of Byetta. I was diagnosed in March and
have taken 3 different oral medications and Lantus and still had bs too high. I
saw an endo Tuesday and just gave myself my first Byetta injection. How long
before it starts to work? I really hope this will be the answer for me. If it
is going to make my stomach upset, will that happen immediatly? Thank you…
September 8th, 2004 at 2:24 am
I saw an endo Tuesday and just gave myself my first Byetta injection. How
long before it starts to work? I really hope this will be the answer for me.
If it is going to make my stomach upset, will that happen immediatly?
Thank you…
******************************************************
My blood glucose went down a lot with the first shot of Byetta and I started
feeling full for long periods of time after eating. I got a little bit of a
stomach ache a few times in the first week I took it but no nausea until the
4th week, when I got some nausea a few times. When I switched to the 10 pen
I had no nausea or other side effects. Janet
September 8th, 2004 at 8:49 am
Hi, Kathy, and welcome to the group.
Byetta worked immediately for me, and my readings got better as the
months went on. I had very little nausea with the first two injections
and didn’t need to do anything. Just went about my day. <g> Testing two
hours after meals will tell you how the spit works for you.
I consider the spit a miracle. I’ve lost 40 lbs and am healthier than I
can remember. I was on 60 units of insuline (Lantus & Humalog) and have
dropped the Lantus altogether. I use the Humalog only when I hypercarb,
and that’s not often.
Let us know how it goes!
September 8th, 2004 at 2:35 pm
i didn’t start having effects from it for about 3 days
and i didn’t get the full blood sugar effect for a
couple of months. however, being always the wierd one,
i threw up twice a day every day for 5 months. that
has stopped now though
September 9th, 2004 at 5:27 am
IMMEDIATELY. You should already notice the slight hint of green to your skin
and the appetite for mealworms.ENJOY!
_____
I saw an endo Tuesday and just gave myself my first Byetta injection. How
long before it starts to work? I really hope this will be the answer for
me.
September 10th, 2004 at 3:52 am
Well, Carl E. Moore, I can tell you are a character! That explains why that
snake in my driveway this morning looked so tasty.
Thank you to everyone for your responses. I think my bs is down a little
after 1 dose. I have not tested a lot in the last couple of weeks because I
knew the medicines were not working and that I had the endo appt. I think I
was expecting to go below 100 immediatly and feel no hunger at all. I really
appreciate everyone’s help and encouragement.
September 11th, 2004 at 9:03 am
I have my issues <grin>.
Stick with the med. It’s a miracle drug.
_____
Well, Carl E. Moore, I can tell you are a character! That explains why that
snake in my driveway this morning looked so tasty.
Thank you to everyone for your responses. I think my bs is down a little
after 1 dose. I have not tested a lot in the last couple of weeks because I
knew the medicines were not working and that I had the endo appt. I think
I was expecting to go below 100 immediatly and feel no hunger at all. I
November 22nd, 2004 at 12:43 am
Sue, welcome! I’m impressed (and somewhat envious) that you can eat toast!
Bread spikes me badly… more power to you!
Hope you enjoy the group.
Denise
November 22nd, 2004 at 5:46 am
Hi, Sue, and welcome! btw, I was on Lantus and Humalog and am now
winging it with only byetta. I do take the humalog (1-2 units) when I
hypercarb, but not often. My last A1C was 5.0, but I’m sure it’ll be
higher now. Hopefully, I won’t have to add Lantus back in.
Hugs,
November 23rd, 2004 at 7:52 am
I have done that yes. And pits is I’ve been getting nausea lately too.
Rebecca
==
To be alive, to be able to see, to walk,…it’s all a miracle.
– Arthur Rubinstein (1887-1982) Polish Pianist
***************************************
November 25th, 2004 at 1:34 am
Welcome to all the new folks we have gained recently. I hope you find
the list helpful and enjoyable!
Ruby
Co-Mod
–
November 26th, 2004 at 7:53 am
Shauna, same here. I can’t eat those foods and it’s been that way for 6
years now. I can get away with one slice of whole wheat bread if my bg is
very low and I can also get away with a slice of Ezekiel bread now and then.
That’s about it, though! And a bagel? No way! Not even half!
But I guess that’s part of the beauty/evil of this disease - we’re all
different!
Denise
November 26th, 2004 at 12:57 pm
Sue, I was diagnosed more than ten years ago and the dietitian at time
told me to each more carbs than I could handle. I test often and can
tell what certain carbs will do. I limit myself to one piece of whole
wheat or flax toast, or 1/2-3/4 cup whole grain cereal. I also add a
small piece of fruit. And I’m fine with this. Everyone is different and
the only way to tell what happens when we eat certain foods is to test 2
hrs after meals.
February 1st, 2005 at 3:00 am
Hi everyone,
Andrew asked me to join. I’m writing an article about byetta. I would
like to interview people who are currently on the drug for their
impressions, expecatations, concerns, and anything else. You can
contact me off list. You can look at my other articles concerning
diabetes at www.bellaonline.com and go to the diabetes page. I’m a type
2. thank you.
cindy kimura
June 13th, 2005 at 7:37 am
I’m glad I found this group, as I need the support!
I started my 5 mg shots on Aug.3, on Aug.17th I was down 20lbs!
Today I feel like the shot isn’t working! lol I’ve been so hungry,
wondering if this will last or pass! Any ideas? Thanks!
September 15th, 2006 at 7:31 am
Hi! I just joined this group today, I am a member of another diabetes
group, and Ruby kindly told me about this one and invited me to join.
I am so glad she did! I have learned a whole lot just reading back in
the posts a couple of days!
I’ve only been on Byetta (5) less than a week (today’s my second full
day), but already I like it alot. I was on Metformin last week, just
for a week, and it gave me a lot of trouble with my stomach. But I
feel fine on the Byetta, at least stomach wise. Blood sugar wise, I
feel like I’m constantly on my way to a low, but when I test the
lowest I’ve been is 96. Which is really cool by the way, because I
never broke 100 before the Byetta. But when I was at 96, I was
shaking and sweating, so I’m guessing my body is just trying to get
used to having blood sugar around the normal level. What do you
think? Has anyone else had this problem?
Also, I was reading on the Byetta website, and it said something
about pairing Byetta with other medications. My endo just prescribed
me Byetta, and that’s it. No other meds. Is that normal? There’s no
way I can go back on the Metformin, it made me too sick. But I want
to be sure the Byetta has everything it needs to work.
Thanks for letting me join this group!
Sarah in TX
September 15th, 2006 at 11:22 am
Hi Sarah… and welcome!
It sounds like your Endo is just being cautious at the start. Hey, if the Byetta
does the trick by itself why would you want to take more medications?
Hell, I know I’d like to be taking A LOT less medication than I am presently….
And no thanks needed for joining the group, I’m sure we’re all glad to have you
aboard!
Rich
Hi! I just joined this group today, I am a member of another diabetes
group, and Ruby kindly told me about this one and invited me to join.
I am so glad she did! I have learned a whole lot just reading back in
the posts a couple of days!
I’ve only been on Byetta (5) less than a week (today’s my second full
day), but already I like it alot. I was on Metformin last week, just
for a week, and it gave me a lot of trouble with my stomach. But I
feel fine on the Byetta, at least stomach wise. Blood sugar wise, I
feel like I’m constantly on my way to a low, but when I test the
lowest I’ve been is 96. Which is really cool by the way, because I
never broke 100 before the Byetta. But when I was at 96, I was
shaking and sweating, so I’m guessing my body is just trying to get
used to having blood sugar around the normal level. What do you
think? Has anyone else had this problem?
Also, I was reading on the Byetta website, and it said something
about pairing Byetta with other medications. My endo just prescribed
me Byetta, and that’s it. No other meds. Is that normal? There’s no
way I can go back on the Metformin, it made me too sick. But I want
to be sure the Byetta has everything it needs to work.
Thanks for letting me join this group!
Sarah in TX
September 15th, 2006 at 3:15 pm
On 3/29/07, Sarah wrote:
<< My endo just prescribed me Byetta, and that’s it. No other meds. Is that
normal? There’s no way I can go back on the Metformin, it made me too sick.
But I want to be sure the Byetta has everything it needs to work. >>
Many diabetics are on as many as 3-4 medications trying to control their
diabetes - especially, for those who have been dealing with this disease for
years. However, if Byetta alone keeps your blood sugar normal, consider
that a GREAT thing. So far, the Byetta alone has been enough for me.
Byetta just needs you to eat for it to work.
September 16th, 2006 at 6:37 am
Hi Sarah, Im new to the group also. And new to Byetta. It will be a week
tomorrow for me. I take Amaryl with it. As to the Metformin , I believe that is
the same as glucophage and I had the same problem when I tried it but my dr told
me there is a new packaging of it combined with something else and it doesnt
cause those digestive problems. But Im hoping byetta does the trick for me.
And I dont feel right if my bg is under 100 either. I never have. I like to be
about 120. I know they want us lower but If mine is 100 and I am active at
all, it drops too quickly . I get all the s ymptoms of low blood sugar when Im
that low. Ev
**************************************
September 17th, 2006 at 6:57 am
Welocme, Sara…..my doctor has me on Byetta alone and I am doing great.
Good to know that others feel better with bg at 100 or higher. I
thought there was something wrong with me until I talked to my doctor!
September 20th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
dont be too sure about the metformin/glucophage not causeing digestive
problems if mixed with something else. One of the reasons you have a lot
of trouble at first is if they start you on too much. You should start
at the smallest dose and take that for a couple of weeks then move up
gradually to the dose the doc wants you to take. I think I started with
250mg but that was when it first came out so I dont remember exactly*G*
welcome Sarah and all the other new members. Thanks to all for posting
and keeping the list going and interesting.
July 2nd, 2007 at 7:59 am
Hi!! My name is Katy, & I live in Alabama, & I just joined your group. I am
diabetic & taking 10 mg of Byetta twice a day. I have been on it aprrox. 3
months and have lost 20 lbs. The first day or two I had a slight nausea feeling
but it went away. Problem is about 2 weeks ago I started feeling the nausea and
was sick a couple of times. The nausea comes on after I eat, no matter what or
how much I eat. I went to my doctor & his assistant told me it was the Byetta
and told me to go back to my Novolog. When my doctor came in he said no, it
wasn’t the Byetta. I had an Ultra Sound to look at my gall bladder and a Cat
Scan also. Everything checked out ok but the nausea is still with me though not
as bad as a few days ago. I have a Reflux problem and thought maybe that could
be causing the problem. I went back on medication for that a few days ago. Any
advice or input from any of you would be more than welcome. My doctor said the
nausea begins when first taking Byetta, not 3 months later. What do you think?
Katy
July 2nd, 2007 at 2:22 pm
I have a Reflux problem and thought maybe that could be causing the problem.
I went back on medication for that a few days ago. Any advice or input from
any of you would be more than welcome. My doctor said the nausea begins when
first taking Byetta, not 3 months later. What do you think?
Katy
What are you taking for the reflux problem. I have a mild reflux problem
and take 20 mg of Prilosec twice a day
July 3rd, 2007 at 2:05 pm
I have a Reflux problem and thought maybe that could be causing the problem.
I went back on medication for that a few days ago. Any advice or input from
any of you would be more than welcome. My doctor said the nausea begins when
first taking Byetta, not 3 months later. What do you think?
Katy
What are you taking for the reflux problem. I have a mild reflux problem
and take 20 mg of Prilosec twice a day
which really helps. Suzanne
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
July 24th, 2007 at 2:14 am
I have an appointment this week and want to see if I can go back to the 5
mg. What do you think? Some of you that have been on Byetta for a long time, do
you think the 5 mg would be better for me? Would like to hear your opinions.
Love the weight loss that comes with using Byetta, I have lost 22 lb.
Rose
Hi Rose:
I’m only on Byetta for a little over a month and have already switched to
the 10 mcg. I definitely felt better on the 5mcg but am able to manage the 10..
I started to feel mild nasea just the last few days for the first time and
suppose it could be caused by anything. I used to take Humalog and Lantus and
switched to Byetta because I wanted at least a fair shot at losing weight. I
did the weight watchers program for six months and never lost a thing and
know it was the insulin that prevented me from losing anything no matter what I
did or didn’t eat.
People here have suggested some creative solution such as taking the 5mcg in
the morning and the 10 at night. Or taking 5 mcg three times a day. I
wouldn’t give up on the Byetta if you have a lot of weight to lose and it was
helping with that as well as your BG. I also take 20 mg of Prilosec twice a
day
which seems to help keep my stomach settled. I guess I’m willing to be a
little queasy once in a while if the Byetta keeps working and makes it possible
for me to lose weight. I’ve lost about twelve pounds i nthe first five weeks.
I think it matters what we eat in terms of nausea and keep learning about
what my body wants. Good luck figuring it out..
July 24th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
I was just wondering if anyone has changed their meds and stopped taking Avandia
because of the news reports? I take Avandamet, but my doctor doesn’t think there
is anything to worry about. He hasn’t taken anyone off of it yet. My pharmacist
said they received lots of phone calls about it, but very few people switched
July 24th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
I was just wondering if anyone has changed their meds and stopped taking
Avandia because of the news reports? I take Avandamet, but my doctor doesn’t
think there is anything to worry about. He hasn’t taken anyone off of it yet.
My
pharmacist said they received lots of phone calls about it, but very few
people switched from Avandia or Avandamet. I AM worried about the increased
risk of heart attacks. I have enough problems as it is - don’t need anymore!
Cindy
****I would get on the internet and do some serious research about Avandia
and also Actos if anyone is still taking that. My doctor took me off Actos
about four years ago because it was causing edema in my ankles and harming my
circulation, and he anticipated that there would be problems with it. The FDA
warning about Avandia seems to apply to people who have known heart problems
or who are at risk of heart problems and all of us with diabetes are at
greater risk for heart problems. Then I would check out the possible side
effects
and ask yourself if you are at risk for any of them. Do you have a family
history of heart disease, are you obese, etc. I would get a second and third
July 24th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Cindy,
when I was first dx’d with diabetes (2003) I was on avandia and glipizide.
There were no side effects that I knew of. In 2004/5 Avandia was hard to
get - everyone was on it and supply couldn’t match demand. I was put on
Actos and immediately gained 12-15 pounds of water weight. Took myself off
that sucker! Went back on Avandia and this time I felt awful - weak, heart
palpitations, skipped beats, etc - I have no history of heart disease - took
myself off of it and absolutely refused to be put back on. This was before
all the press on Avandia and heart disease.
Truthfully, nothing worked better than those two original drugs to control
my diabetes. My new doctor is saying there’s alot of press, but he’s not
removing his patients from it. I flatly refused it though.
Lin
I was just wondering if anyone has changed their meds and stopped taking
Avandia because of the news reports? I take Avandamet, but my doctor
doesn’t
think there is anything to worry about. He hasn’t taken anyone off of it
yet. My
pharmacist said they received lots of phone calls about it, but very few
people switched from Avandia or Avandamet. I AM worried about the increased
risk of heart attacks. I have enough problems as it is - don’t need
anymore!
Cindy
July 25th, 2007 at 8:20 am
I just saw a report on ABC news regarding Avandia….Doctors admit there’s
an increased risk of heart disease but the manufacturer is sticking by it.
There’s a 35% decrease in use and most doctors who are concerned, are putting
their patients on Actos instead. My doctor thinks Actos is just as bad and
was not a safe medication for me, probably not for most people, over time.
There have been no follow up studies on these drugs after the initial trial and
Congress needs to demand the FDA require them. There are so many drugs on the
market that are not adequately tested. I always check with my cousin who
lives in Germany on what they are using for diabetes. They are way ahead of us
in research and are not as motivated by profit, although that is changing.
I suspect that Metformin and insulin are probably still the safest
medications we have. Byetta seems to be in a class by iself…it’s source is
almost
July 26th, 2007 at 12:37 am
What are they using in Germany?
If you read the Actos info you’ll find an increase in COPD - don’t need
that. In some patients it’s probably fine - just like Avandia in some - but
I definitely couldn’t do it. I had to tell my doctor about the side effects
of actos - he hadn’t a clue.
I felt the same about Januvia. It hasn’t been tested enough.
Lin
I just saw a report on ABC news regarding Avandia….Doctors admit there’s
an increased risk of heart disease but the manufacturer is sticking by it.
There’s a 35% decrease in use and most doctors who are concerned, are
putting
their patients on Actos instead. My doctor thinks Actos is just as bad
and
was not a safe medication for me, probably not for most people, over time.
There have been no follow up studies on these drugs after the initial trial
and
Congress needs to demand the FDA require them. There are so many drugs on
the
market that are not adequately tested. I always check with my cousin who
lives in Germany on what they are using for diabetes. They are way ahead
of us
in research and are not as motivated by profit, although that is changing.
I suspect that Metformin and insulin are probably still the safest
medications we have. Byetta seems to be in a class by iself…it’s source
is almost
homeopathic.. hard to know who and what to trust. Suzanne
July 29th, 2007 at 12:07 am
I am also a new member…so for awhile i was on Lantus and it was making me gain
weight, and now im on the Byetta 3 x daily at 5mcg. i havent noticed anything,
no nausa or low numbers not like i did with the 10 mcg. as well as the metformin
850 2x a day. and ive started walking every night trying to bring my numbers
down too. Does anyone know of good diet or food plan to follow?
Kathleen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
July 29th, 2007 at 2:37 am
I am also a new member…so for a while I was on Lantus and it was making me
gain weight, and now im on the Byetta 3 x daily at 5mcg. I haven’t noticed
anything, no nausea or low numbers not like I did with the 10 mcg. as well as
the metformin 850 2x a day. and I’ve started walking every night trying to
bring my numbers down too. Does anyone know of good diet or food plan to
follow?
Hi Kathleen:
I’ve been on Byetta for five weeks and have switched to the 10 which I can
handle but I felt much better on the five and I’m not seeing much of a
difference in my BG….still 200 to 230 FBG and goes down to 140-16- after
meals.
You are doing exactly what I want to be doing, 5mcg three times a day and I
also want to trade in the 20 Mg of Lantus I’m still taking for a low dose of
metformin, maybe the ER that I keep hearing about. I have an appt with an endo
on Sept 6 and will suggest this. I can’t walk for exercise anymore due to
neuropathy in my feet but I swim three times a week and try to do some strength
training at the Y a few days a week.
I was doing the Weight Watchers Core Program but am rereading a wonderful
book, called the Inflammation Syndrome by Jack Challem and decided to follow his
dietary guidelines for a while. It is very similar to the Rosedale diet
which basically recommends eating, fish, fish, fish, organic chicken or turkey,
fertile eggs, some tofu, lots of veggies, limited fruit, once or twice a day,
mostly berries which pack a powerful antioxidant punch, and no sugar or
starchy foods. He recommends cutting way back on grains and only high fiber
organic grains once or twice a week. Oil should be olive oil; olives and
avocados
are wonderful as are nuts….basically Mediterranean without the pasta and
bread….I’ve done this before and it really works….it’s very low carb but
includes good fats and lots more fruit and veggies than a diet like Atkins
allows.
Does your insurance give you a hard time using two pens a month on the 5mcg
3 times a day? I think that would be perfect for me. What time s do you
take the shots?
July 29th, 2007 at 7:16 am
Diet is an ever-changing concept.
I’ve mostly been trying to eat to
avoid what appear to be gallbladder attacks lately, but it *seems* pretty
healthy, and my numbers have been the best ever. FBG is running about 140
now, compared to close to 300 a month ago before I started Byetta! My
numbers 2 hours after eating are running in the 110-140 range right now,
compared to the 200-220 numbers I was seeing before Byetta, so for one month
things are looking better for me.
A typical day’s eating for me is something like:
Breakfast: a small scoop of low-fat cottage cheese mixed with a dollop of
plain yogurt, to which I mix in ground cinnamon and a sprinkle of Brown
Sugar Twin. Then topped with a bit of fresh fruit (usually berries, high in
fiber and antioxidants) and a tbsp of chopped almonds.
Lunch: a bit of chicken or fish with some fresh or roasted veggies. Maybe a
bit of brown rice or something like that, or a brown rice rice cake for some
"crunch". I like to drizzle some olive oil over the veggies.
Dinner: again some chicken or fish and veggies and a bit of olive oil. I’m
trying to vary the veggies I try. Today for lunch I made a beet soup -
whirred up some fresh steamed beets in the blender along with some plain
yogurt, carrot juice, and garlic. I heated that up and had it with a
brown/wild rice cake, and it was tasty.
If not for the gallbladder I’d probably have a bit more cheese and eggs,
both of which I adore, but seem to trigger attacks. I usually love raw
almonds as a snack too, but worry right now about nuts and gallbladder.
Pre-gallbladder trouble a real "treat" would have been a rice cake with some
peanut butter and jelly on it! I’m trying to stay mostly natural but I do
have occasional "unnatural" treats too like sugar-free popsicles, or
sugar-free Jello. And one of my really sinful treats is a square of
extra-dark chocolate!
Everyone seems to talk about moving up to the 10 mcg Byetta from the 5. Does
*everyone* do that? I tried the 10 one time and it was 6 hours before I
could even leave my bed, other than two trips to run into the bathroom to
retch my guts out. I hated it, and my BG dipped terribly low. Right now I
can’t see why I can’t just stay on the 5. My girlfriend’s husband is on
Byetta. That was where I first learned of it. He was happy on the 5 mcg for
a few months, but his doctor switched him to the 10 mcg. He was *violently*
ill to the point where I think he wound up in the ER. He could not seem to
adjust at all.
It was almost as if he developed a sensitivity to it, as his endo dropped
him back to the 5 - which he had not had any troubles with, but even going
back to the 5 he got violently ill. So she took him off the 5 mcg completely
for three months. Then put him back on and he seems to be doing fine with
the 5 now, and no plans to go to 10 ever again. Though the idea of the 5 3X
daily is interesting - though a little hard to space if you have to have 6
hours between doses.
July 29th, 2007 at 10:08 am
I am also a new member…so for awhile i was on Lantus and it was making me
gain weight, and now im on the Byetta 3 x daily at 5mcg. i havent noticed
anything, no nausa or low numbers not like i did with the 10 mcg. as well as the
metformin 850 2x a day. and ive started walking every night trying to bring my
numbers down too. Does anyone know of good diet or food plan to follow?
Kathleen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]