Type II Diabetes: Oral Meds vs Insulin - Diabetes Message Board

07-12-2003, 01:32 PM

My doctor recently said I was "borderline" diabetic and put me on Glucophage to prevent me from developing Type II diabetes. I know several people who take this medication and most of them experience unpleasant side-effect, which include kidney failure with my mom. I guess my question is if I eventually develop diabetes, is it possible to be treated with insulin alone instead of combining it with oral antidiabetic medications? My mom takes both insulin and Glyburide. When she started taking the insulin, her blood sugar levels, along with her Hb A1C dropped to normal levels. Since insulin is a naturally-occuring hormone, I would assume the side effects are minimal. Does anyone else here take only insulin for their Type II diabetes? Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

hry33 · 07-12-2003, 04:33 PM

IMO tablets are much better and easier to live with than insulin, there are many different types of diabetes tablets, diabetes often runs in families

type 1 means insulin dependant

type 2 means tablets only

delrae4753 · 07-12-2003, 04:40 PM

I am type 2 I take glyberide and glucophage

SamQKitty · 07-12-2003, 08:43 PM

Just a minor correction:

Type 2 does not necessarily mean tablets only. There are varying degrees of Type 2 diabetes, plus it is usually a somewhat progressive illness, meaning the longer you have it, the more severe it gets. There are thousands of Type 2 diabetics who must take insulin.

bird123 · 07-12-2003, 11:11 PM

Insulin causes weight gain and Glucophage doesn't.
Glucophage doesn't cause kidney failure, diabetes does.
Glucophage is contraindicated in renal failure because of decreased renal clearance.