Diabetes.Blog.com

1 - I was just told this morning that I had Diabetes and was strongly suggested this medication [Byetta]. I am really scared because I have not had Diabetes as long as some of you may have. I am on Metformin 1500mg a day. And I guess my levels still came back and that is the reason for my doctor suggesting this medication. I do have a problem with the "Stick" part of it, it scares me ALOT. Any encouragament is welcome. Thanks Rhonda (Comment this)

2 - Hi, Rhonda. That is a lot to get thrown at you in one day and I don't blame you for feeling a little overwhelmed. But you found us and that's a good start so first go to Dr. Bill's main page and do a little reding on Type II Diabetes then find the summary article I wrote Tales from the Blog. The link is on the August blog page for one. that is the quickest way to get you up to speed on Byetta. The stick part of the shot is less than the stick part for blood glucoses which you are also going to be doing. Goodness you have to master a lot in a hurry. In the article are som diagrams and pictures to help you with shots and all the Lilly links are there too. I hope you are in a practice with a CDE because that will make it a lot easier for you. We all will pitch in and try to help but you are really being given a crash course all at once and that's a lot to master plus the adjustment to Byetta and metformin all at once will not be a picnic. (Comment this)

3 - Thank you! My levels were 131 at fasting, and then went up to 280 after drinking the drink they gave me is this Diabetes? (Comment this)

4 - I am so confused at where I am in this blog I am not that computer smart do these blogs go day by day how do I keep up? (Comment this)

5 - Ok I have a question, if I don't check my sugars like a regualr diabetic does, does this mean after my doctor telling me this morning my levels are at diabetes level and then suggested this medication wil I have to check my blood everyday I am so new at this forgive me if these are dumb questions. (Comment this)

6 - Rhonda:

After you had posted at the Byetta forum, and I realized you were brand-new to diabetes, I set up a new forum for people who are new to diabetes, and moved your comments (and Betty's reply) over here.

It will remain right where it is indefinitely, and it's hoped that others will read of your concerns, and comment back to you to help you cope.

Very best wishes.
 (Comment this)

7 - Bill I am so sorry when you say over there where do I go what do I click on? (Comment this)

8 - No problem.

First thought: read more about diabetes, then ask more questions to your doc and diabetes nurse educator and dietitian. If your doc doesn't have a diabetes nurse and dietitian on his/her staff, ask for a referral.

Where to read about diabetes? Lots of places; I'm obviously biased, but would suggest you start at the New to Diabetes section at the Diabetes Monitor.

In a few days, you'll be more relaxed. In the meantime, focus on the basics: eating healthy, staying active, learning about diabetes.
 (Comment this)

9 - I thought I had lost her and was about to send you an e-mail Dr. Bill, I was so worried about her. We are going to help you get through this and it appears that yes indeed those numbers are in the diagnostic range for Diabetes. You have been handed an overwhelming diagnosis and it doesn't sound like you got a very good explanation or any educational materials. If you could give us your age , family history and some general background information, we will try to be a little more focused but my main advice is probably to ask for a referral to an office that has a Diabetic Team because to throw all this at you at one time is pretty harsh. And then to add Byetta into the mix the first day you are diagnosed is a little aggressive in my opinion. And since you're new here, I'm a volunteer on Byetta but I'm an advanced Practice Nurse so will try my best to help. (Comment this)

10 - Rhonda, I have had diabetes for 12 years, I also just last year had 5 bypass. My sugars have never been at the levels they should have been. I just started byetta also. I to was afraid of the sticking part but rest assured that it is no worse than testing your BS. I have seen an improvement overall, but still hoping to see them go down even more. Hang in there and keep us posted! (Comment this)

11 - Thank you everyone this support is just amazing and so helpful. I love it. Thank you so much. I go this week to learn about the drug and how to use it. I know it was fast but I am severly obese and I think my doctor is just trying to save me. I am 35 years old, and my MOM, BROTHER, AND FATHER has diabetes. My Mom takes Actos along with Metformin, and also has had 2 amputations on her foot. I DO NOT want this to get any futher you can imagine I am scared and am willing to do anything that the doctor seems to see fit for me. And she was gun ho about Byetta she swore by it and has researched it and strongly suggest it. (Comment this)

12 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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13 - Hi

I too have recently been diagnosed with Type II diabetes, and was immediately put on 500mg Gluophage one dose in the am and one before bed and started with Byetta 5 same day.
The nausea has gone away , sometimes I still get a headache, but the worst is the how tired I feel for a couple of hours after taking the Byetta . I have not been on a scale so Im really not sure of the weight loss yet. My only concern is that the PCP nurse practioner for whatever reason was not concerned about me taking my BS levels, my daughter has gestational diabetes and I use her monitor from time to time, the numbers are 116 fasting and not too much higher after two hours of eating. Where should these numbers be at , I'm not really sure. I have tried just to eat a lot healthier and need to get some exercise into my daily life. Ther is so much I do not know about this disease other thatn watching sugar intake and carb intake. My two hour glucose test was 299 and I know that that number is high and I am really scared right now and want to learn more about this disease. (Comment this)

14 - Hello ...to all of you who have posted wonderful information for those of us who have either recently been diagnosed with Type II and/or just beginning Byetta. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago. I initally was taking metformin, then went to avandia. Although I am not considered obese, I did gain a lot of weight around the mid section. I am hoping Byetta will help with the mid section weight gain. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes, High BP, and high Cholesterol at the same time. Like many of you, I am somewhat apprehensive with starting Byetta. I have read the earlier blogs about Byetta and the nausea. How much will this interfere with daily activities and responsibilites? I just received a 3 month supply of Byetta in the mail today. I am planning to start my dosages tomorrow. My last dose of avandia was today. Tomorrow I will begin with the metformin. Does anyone know if this is ok to immediately drop the avandia and begin the metformin along with the Byetta? I would appreciate any advice you may be able to offer.
Thanks....Nita (Comment this)

15 - Hi Everyone,
I have been on Byetta for 3 weeks, and I am completely amazed at how my BG's have improved. I have lost 10 lbs. and did not even try. I was taking Lantus, 80 units/nightly, and cut to 40 when I first started on Byetta, then to 20 and now none. I also take 10 mg. glipizide twice a day. I had tried all the gluphage meds, and had awful adverse effects from all of them. Referring back to Mary Ann's comment about bladder problems, I did have cystitis this past week, but I have had so many in the past years that I don't know if it was Byetta or not. I had a little nausea at first, but when I read some of the comments on this blog, I knew to stop eating fatty foods, which I should have been doing anyway. In about a week I start the 10 mcg. So I will see what that is going to do. I appreciate this blog and all the comments. It has helped me to cope with this new and mysterious drug.
Iris in North Carolina
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16 - Hi all,

I started the Byetta two days ago. I have been lucky so far and have not suffered the nausea many of you have described. I have noticed a decrease in appetite as well as eating less at meal time. The only side affects I have noticed is the headache. Good luck to all of you beginning Byetta. (Comment this)

17 - Hi everyone; I was diagnosrd with type 2 diabetes a year ago last may. I test 5 times a day. It's always pretty good except in the morning. It's in the 140's or 150's even after fasting. It is normal when I go to bed. What causes this and what can I do? Thanks (Comment this)

18 - Eileen,

My BG is higher when I get up also. I'm not sure why, but do you eat late in the evening? I usually eat late and thought maybe this was one reason why it might be higher when I get up. But, like you it is usually around 140 to 150 fasting. My meal times are not typical because I am a night owl and like to eat late in the evening. Since starting the Byetta 3 days ago, my BG has been lower. Fasting has ranged from 102 to 107. Overall, it has lowered substantially since starting the Byetta. (Comment this)

19 - Thank you Nita: Yes I'm a night owl too . I tried eating late and earlier and it doesn't seem tomake any difference. (Comment this)

20 - I see my Dr. tomorrow. Maybe she can help me. I also want to lose some weight (Comment this)

21 - I've been diagnosed with glucose intolerance for 2 years. The doctor put me on Actose and I have not been able to lose weight since then, even when I really try. I swell up a lot too, then have to take another pill to reduce the swelling. Getting very tired of pills. My doctor wants me to try Byetta. Since I HATE drugs of any kind I'm skeptic to try something new. But I want so badly to get off the Actose (now he's added Vytorin (my cholesterol level is only 200 so I really am fighting that one too), and my leg muscles are starting to get weak. I stopped taking Crestor because of leg pains. Is Byetta the answer? I wonder! (Comment this)

22 - I started Byetta last night. I used it this morning too, but so far, no side effects at all. It probably needs some time for anything to show up. I hope it continues, side effect free though. Like most everyone else, I requested Byetta to help with my type 2 so as to get my numbers down and also to lose weight. My question for anyone is: How long did it take for side effects to show up? Right away, a few days, a week?? (Comment this)

23 - I was just diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes and sent for a consultation with a Dietician. I need to call tomorrow to set up the appointment. My Mom has Type-2 Diabetes. I am scared that I won't be able to handle the sight of forbidden food items and will have a hard time adjusting my diet as I get hungry a lot, especially at work. I'm a data entry clerk and sit at my desk for 6-7 hours straight daily except weekends getting up only to use the restroom or to get something from upstairs, send a fax, copy something etc. How do I get more exercise into this picture? I tried a gym and injured my shoulder, now my whole left arm hurts - I will be seeing an orthopedic specialist for that. (Comment this)

24 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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25 - Took my first Byetta shot this morning, ate a cup of Cheerios in a half-cup 2% milk right after, and I feel very full right now, an hour later. No nausea, but I do have that feeling at the base of my throat that feels like I ate too much. My question is - has anyone had problems in drinking coffee after the morning shot? I want a cup - but I'm afraid of getting acid reflux. Don't normally from coffee but this is new so I'm being cautious. (Comment this)

26 - Hi Gloria! I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes just a couple of months ago. Like you, I've got a desk job, and a tendency to snack while at work. Here are a couple of things that seem to be working well for me:

For exercise, I find that the easiest thing to do for me is to get up a bit early and go for a walk before going to work. Walking is good exercise, and you're not likely to injure yourself doing it. I've also enjoyed swimming in the past, though I haven't found a good pool in my area yet, so I'm not doing much swimming right now. I've been doing a lot of experimenting with different kinds of activity - I've rented a couple of workout DVDs, and yesterday I tried out an aerobics class that a couple of my coworkers regularly attend. I think the main thing is just to keep trying different things until you find something that works for you and your schedule.

On the snacking issue, I've learned to just plan to have snacks between meals. I always make sure that I have healthy and satisfying snacks at work with me. Some of my favorite snack items are: V-8 vegetable juice, instant miso soup, reduced fat string cheese, fruit, carrot sticks with yogurt dip. You should be able to find some snacks that suit your taste and your meal plan - ask your dietician to help you figure out some snacks that will work for you. I find that when I eat a small snack (often less than 100 calories) whenever I get hungry, I don't end up buying and wolfing down a candy bar at 4:00, which is what I used to do quite frequently before I was diagnosed.

I'm still new to this diagnosis, and I still have a lot to learn, but so far, it hasn't been as bad as I'd feared. Good luck! (Comment this)

27 - Hi,my name is Magda, i live in Warsaw in Poland. I have had diabetes for 10 years. Could you tell me something about insulin inhaler? how many it cost in USA? (Comment this)

28 - Insulin inhalers are in development, but none are available for sale anywhere in the world at this time. See the Diabetes Monitor's news stories for September 8 & 9 about Exubera, and inhaled insulin for more information. (Comment this)

29 - Is there anything available to keep Byetta cool when you have to take it along, that is small enough to fit in a purse? I live in the Southwest, where it gets very hot. (Comment this)

30 - I am not a blogger by any means, but feel strongly about this for anyone new to diabetes. I was diagnosed in early 1998 after suffering all the classic symptoms.

Read DR. BERNSTEIN'S DIABETES SOLUTION. It has changed the way I live with diabetes and is a no nonsense approach to treating the disease. I wish someone had told me about it when I was diagnosed. (Comment this)

31 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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32 - Dawn - visit the Byetta web-site and register for a welcome kit. They offer (free) a case with gel inserts that you have to refrigerate (NOT FREEZE) for 24 hours to keep your Byetta pen at the proper temperature. The case even has pockets for the pen needles.

I am "pre-diabetic" or "diabetic" - depending on which doctor I go to. My endo believes in aggressive treatment at first diagnosis so that treatment doesn't have to be aggressive later. I take Glucophage 2x daily, and Byetta injections (5mg) 2x. Biggest side-effect (most likely from the Byetta) is profuse sweating. I have a salty taste in my mouth all the time. I lost 6 lbs the first week...7 lbs the second week. Does anyone do anything special for the sweating? I am worried about salt loss. (Comment this)

33 - === Off topic post ===
Please read Dubious comments at this blog

Thanks. (Comment this)

34 - I was diagnosied with Diabetes is late May. Been going through all the denial and anger stages. I'm THINK I'm getting past that now. Saw my doc today and he gave me info on Byetta.

From reading your comments, I understand this can be used at anytime along the way, pre or full blown Type II.

It also sounds like this is the latest and greatest.

Does anyone know how long the research studies were conducted?

Should I be calling the doc and saying Let's Get Started with Byetta?

I need to lose at least 70 lbs. I test 2x/day and take Metformin.

What's a girl to do?

Would appreciate all comments.

Thanks. (Comment this)

35 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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36 - hi iav been diabetic for 13years and iam willing to help anyone who wants to anything because i have seen or been though most things myself. iam will ing to help anyone who has got a problem with anything to do with type 1 diabetes

becky (Comment this)

37 - I'm another new diagnosis, although I'm only barely part of the club, since I haven't had a fasting reading over 127. I just got my meter a couple of weeks ago and was told to just test in the AMs, but have done a few extras in order to see how I'm doing - no post-meal reading over 143, so I guess that's good.

I was told I'm Type I, because I'm not at all overweight and was already active. I've even lost a few lbs I didn't really need to lose by sticking to a low GI diet.

No idea how long these numbers will stay low and I'll need insulin. I was prescribed Actos, but after researching it now I'm not sure why, because I don't think Type 1's are insulin-resisant.

Anyway, it looks like this site has lots of good info, and I've got lots to learn. (Comment this)

38 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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39 - In 2003 I had gestational diabetes and continued to be borderline until just recently when my Dr put me on Metformin. He has now "labeled" me as a type II. Before when it was controlled by diet and exercise I was less worried but now that I actually have a label... What can anyone tell me about the statistics of going from Gestational to actually having Type II? The side effects of the Metformin have so far been mild, is there any likely that they could get worse? (Comment this)

40 - There's a comment elsewhere on this blog that I'm reproducing here:
"My mom has diabetes and she desperately needs help. She has undergone a lot of operatins and now on the brink of another operation. I do believe that you people are the authority in diabetes. Perhaps you can help me in this regard and provide me with some tips on how to handle the situation. It is really unfortunate and I have to live with it."

Comments from our readers would be welcome.
Bill (Comment this)

41 - I just found out I had diabetes a few weeks ago. Its not bad but not that good either. I take gluctrol XL. I feel good during most of the day but when I get home I am so tired. I hate the feeling. I also am having major problems trying to follow my diet plan. I dont cook much etc. Thanks for any help. (Comment this)

42 - When I was told I had diabetes, 12 years ago I weighed 250 pounds. I am now 175...recently taken off both glyburide and metformin.....since my sugars in the morning were 2.2 and I had to be rushed to hospital. I read metformin suppresses hunger and can cause weight loss. All
I know my goal is to check my sugar three times a day and not let it get out of hand again.....like having a second chance. I would not like going through another one of those "where am I?" It is so important to keep you family doctor in the know of changes in his/her sugar counts........ Been quite the ride. (Comment this)

43 - my 12 yr old cat has had diabetes for about 5yrs. he is on 4units of insulin once a day(AM injection) . i have noticed lately that he has been coughing (no hairballs) and has had some vomitting. he doesnt seem to urinate more frequently. he is overweight (probably 8-10lbs over) and isnt active..is there something i could do naturally for him to help him..either by diet or vitamin protocol?
Sincerely,
Diane (Comment this)

44 - DIANE www.felinediabetes.com
Sorry Dr Bill, I know it's off topic....... (Comment this)

45 - Diane: I agree with Barbara J., to wander over to Feline Diabetes for lots of ideas. It's authored by Rebecca Price, a physician who has had diabetic cats.

Also see Pets with Diabetes at the Diabetes Monitor.

Hope this helps! (Comment this)

46 - i am newly diagnosed (2 months) diabetic taking Metformin 1700 now with the byetta (started 2 days ago) i also have copd and Atrial Fiberlation. I take a lot of medicines and so far this one doesnt mess up my other medications (9 different ones). I was on glimepiride 4 mg 2 times a day b4 byetta and my sugar levels were usually 160 to 295 each time.. i have been on byetta now for 2 days and got my first 85. which is shocking after so long so high.. I do have a question if anyone can answer.... do you ever get muscle spasms in your stomach from the shots and how do you know if you got medicine? i cant see anything in the pen.. it is just clear. i know liquid is in there from when i set it up.. just wondering. (Comment this)

47 - Debbie
I too wondered how I could tell if I got the Byetta, but I have found if I watch vvvveeerrrrrryy closely (with my glasses on ) I can see the plunger move. If you are a dope like me & don't follow directions all the time, & leave the needle on the pen, you can get a cute little bubble in the Byetta, which lets you know there is indeed liquid in there!
As for the muscles spasms, I've never experienced anything like that, so I'm stumped. (Comment this)

48 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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49 - Debbie, If you continue taking Byetta long enough, several days, the extender or plunger will elongate and you can observe better. Don''t worry about the little bubbles that form, it is natural. I called the Amylin help line about the bubbles and they assured me that I did not have to worry. I congratulate you on achieving such a good result in a short period of time. I am sorry but I don''t know about the spasm in stomach after taking the shot. Maybe someone else will know. I have not seen that reported as a side effect. I would cerainly report to my physcian what is happening. I have been on Byetta for 6 months as of today. I have lost 51 lbs and feel so much better. Do hang in and good luck to everyone. Saw my Endo today and he said I would not have to return for 3 months and at that time we would do a c-peptide test. To all my blog community I wish the very best of the season. John Dodson (Comment this)

50 - seasons greetings you all.. Guess what... I went to the dr. yesterday to have blood workup done.. I actually asked them to weigh me (usually I crenge at the thought)...ON the Lizard for 10 days.. lost 9 pounds and my numbers are down from 200 to 140 to 150''s.. I cant believe how much better Im doing.. My feet are not swelling any more.. For 5 years my feet and ankles were double sized... now they are actually looking like feet.. If Byetta is responsible for this... all I can say is I will be on it forever.
Thanks for all the info this Blog has given me. I can only hope this keeps going in the same direction.
I do have one question: Does everyone go to the 10cc or do most stay at the 5 cc pen?
Thanks to you all
deb (Comment this)