Comments on: Diabetes: The War We Did not Choose; The Battles We Must Fight

By: ramonita_1

ramonita_1 — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 05:56:04 +0000

Hello Nita, Yes, It’s the Metformin that causes my diarrhea. I’ve been
on it for years and that’s why I used to stop it for trips.

Why do I stay on it? Because all the research says it’s one of the best
meds for overweight,insulin resistant type 2’s.Better for the heart and
weight neutral.

Now that my diabetes has progressed, I can’t get away with things as in
the early years.

Keeping a log sounds like a good idea,will add it to my plan.Thanks

Aloha, marge

By: Kraig Caren

Kraig Caren — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 01:36:26 +0000

Are you positively sure the Byetta is a source of your diarrhea? I was
taking both a form of Metformin and Byetta and when I discontinued the
Metformin, my diarrhea pretty much went away. Yes, a long vacation is going
to be a tough one when medications are considered. Knowing that you are
going to have to reduce your medication dosages - you will need to be overly
vigilant in what goes in your mouth - a hard thing to do on a vacation.
Keep a log for lessons that you learn and share when you return!

By: ramonita_1

ramonita_1 — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 21:20:12 +0000

Nita, WOW! Inspirational and so true.

In May we leave for a 5 week trip to the mainland where we will see
relatives and friends and stay both in hotels and family homes.
We will be traveling by air and long car trips etc.

I’ve been trying to plan ahead for this trip with all it’s challenges. I
have a big problem…I get extremely unpredictable diarrhea from the ER
Metformin.

Normally for our yearly trip I don’t take it, just the Starlix. I did
this last year and it was a disaster…FBS went to 300 and it took me
all summer to get BG back down.

Also, I’ve discussed with my NP to use Byetta 5 for the vacation instead

of the 10.

I still have bouts of nausea and periods of extreme fatigue for several
hours after some shots ….not bearable while vacationing and visiting.

Then I’m faced with eating out,favorite foods that are hard to find here
in Hawaii etc.

So, so far I’ve decided to take half of my Metformin and Byetta doses,
continue with the Starlix.

For meals…low carb for all mini meals except a 30 carb "treat" meal..a
day,of whatever I want. To walk at least an hour day.preferably after
the 30 carb meal.

Anybody have any other tips?

Aloha, Marge