HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Better Medications For Diabetes

Hi
My mother underwent( ptca rca) 5days back.her fbs was 350-400 and ppbs 440 around.she is a known diabetic since 15yrs and on glipizide 5mg plus metformin 500mg bd dose along with pioglitazone 15mg and her sugar levels are between 170-230mg/dl. Now what medication is advisable. Is insulin must or can be controlled with medications.kindly suggest.
Fri, 10 Apr 2015
Report Abuse
Diabetologist 's  Response
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.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Better Medications For Diabetes

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.