Hi,
After going through your mother's case, I would like to advise you -
Insulin is definitely the one of best option for her because
1) She recently has underwent PTCA to RCA (
angioplasty).
If indication for PTCA was recent
heart attack then insulin is the best option with her blood sugar levels of 300 & 400.
2) She is already on 3 different types of Medicine for diabetes and on that her blood sugar levels were 170-220.
In that case beside use of insulin alone or in combination with oral medicine, only few options are available which may be costlier and we cannot assure better sugar control with them.
3) Use of different types of oral medicine in her case also depends on her kidney, heart status (which can be known from her
serum creatinine level and left ventricular
ejection fraction on 2DEcho)
Metformin is avoided in case of Deranged serum creatinine and low ejection fraction.
Glipizide is avoided with high serum creatinine level.
Pioglitazone is avoided in case of signs water retention in body like breathlessness, swelling over legs, significant weight gain. Chances of water retention increases with deranged kidney function, low LVEF. Pioglitazone also avoided in old female due to increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.
I would also like to advise
1) screening for other diabetic complications like nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, foot examination.
2) strict compliance with her medications (for diabetes and for heart problem - blood thinners, Beta blockers, ACEI/ARBs, Statins as advised by cardiologist) and diet.
3) Regular BP check
4) keep
cholesterol under control (use of statins).
Keeping all these fact into consideration use of insulin (for which high degree of motivation is important) is highly recommended in her along with oral medications depending on her reports after consulting with your doctor.
If she is really reluctant for use of insulin other oral newer medicines like DPP4 inhibitors can be taken after consulting with
diabetologist.