Is my diabetes treatment plan killing me

Posted by jdiakiw @jdiakiw, Sep 25, 2021

I was diagnosed with diabetes after two successive blood readings over 7, in Jan this year, a standard diagnosis. I was prescribed insulin ‘degludec’ injections abdominally (Tresiba). In addition to my family doctor who prescribed it initially, I have had follow up consults with the diabetes team at my local hospital twice, a consult with a hematologist and another with an endocrinologist. They have all lauded my progress with my 95% insulin readings on target, when the goal is 70% . My average daily readings are also spot on, at 6.5. On the freestyle libre
But are they not aware they are killing me? None of my treatment advisors has mentioned that one side effect of insulin injections is weight gain, a minimum of 4-6 pounds. And not one of them has mentioned a common side effect is cardiac arrest or stroke. Twice the rate who take oral treatment. The following are from 3 peer reviewed journal articles

". . . the majority of large observational studies show strong dose-dependent associations for injected insulin with increased cardiovascular risk and worsened mortality. "

I have read a dozen peer reviewed article based on research with thousands of patients in controlled double blind studies. The consensus is pretty conclusive . Don’t prescribe insulin injections . My 5 medical advisors have not mentioned that.

"Researchers said the findings of the new study call for a ‘paradigm shift’ for doctors as to how diabetes is treated. Instead of using sulfonylureas or basal insulin drugs ( my drug) as a second line treatment after Metformin, doctors should turn to the other effective classes of drug that carry fewer risks."

And in a major meta-analysis in "Insulin Linked to CV Risk and All-Cause Mortality":

"Despite a century of improvements in disease management, nearly 2 of 3 patients with type 2 diabetes still die from cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, we are entering a new and exciting era for diabetes management. Large randomized trials have recently demonstrated that several agents. . . effectively reduce risk of adverse cardiovascular events in diabetes patients Therefore, for the first time we now have drug options that not only lower glucose and HbA1c, but also improve heart health and overall prognosis".
Or,
"The Euro Heart Survey found that in patients with Diabetes and coronary heart disease, insulin doubled mortality as compared to oral glucose-lowering drugs".

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.

I am in shock that they went to insulin as a first choice. Are there other health factors at play?

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@verify

I am in shock that they went to insulin as a first choice. Are there other health factors at play?

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Truth..what are so m e oral options?? Not one endocrinologist has suggested any ti me?? I too am concerned being on lantas; although it 8 units once a day? does anyone have suggestion for medication ..please.
ThankYOU!

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@11blessed

Truth..what are so m e oral options?? Not one endocrinologist has suggested any ti me?? I too am concerned being on lantas; although it 8 units once a day? does anyone have suggestion for medication ..please.
ThankYOU!

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I find the supplement berberine helpful along with eating proper foods and exercising as able. Ceylon cinnamon (NOT grocery store cinnamon) is also helpful. I suggest you investigate them online. Knowledge is power. Best wishes.

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Thank you! I do take berberine & will buy ceylon cinnamon~

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@deanna2

I find the supplement berberine helpful along with eating proper foods and exercising as able. Ceylon cinnamon (NOT grocery store cinnamon) is also helpful. I suggest you investigate them online. Knowledge is power. Best wishes.

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Sorry, the doctors appear to invest in drug companies.
Have you switched to oral meds; if so which ones!
I take lantus & intend to get off asap.
Thank you!

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@11blessed

Sorry, the doctors appear to invest in drug companies.
Have you switched to oral meds; if so which ones!
I take lantus & intend to get off asap.
Thank you!

Jump to this post

I suspect doctors simply don't receive much education in foods and supplements. They are more trained in meds. Years ago when I asked my doctor if I could substitute berberine for my metformin, he hadn't even heard of berberine. However, he checked it out and then approved of my switching. HOWEVER, we must remember that neither meds nor supplements allow us to eat whatever and how much we want without consequences! (Also, keep your doctor aware of what you're doing.)

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I take turmeric. It seems to help. But also taking Metformin x1 and Januvia x1.

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