Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I began taking
Byetta
two weeks ago. Nausea and dyspepsia are definitely
side effects. However, I am already losing weight (7 pounds+) and feel
that this drug may be a lifesaver for me. My doctor had started me on
Lantus
serveral months ago in addition to
Glucophage.
After starting
the Lantus, I was constantly hungry — actually famished — and gained over
10 pounds, all around my midsection. I felt that I would rather die than
take insulin if constant hunger was a result.
My blood sugar has been much more under control since beginning Byetta.
I manage the nausea with breath mints (sugar free) for a couple of
hours. The dyspepsia is not bad as long as I do not eat spicy or greasy
food. I'm hoping the side effects wear off soon.
Also, I would really like to correspond with others 'out there' who have started taking Byetta!
Answer
As you know, any insulin is likely to cause weight gain, especially in
type 2 diabetes,
unless aggressive caloric restrictions are in place. Both metformin and Byetta
tend to cause weight loss (how much due to the nausea is unclear).
If you're still on metformin, maybe you can do without it — check with your physician.
In answer to your request, we're setting up a forum for readers to discuss Byetta at
our sister site,
diabetes.blog.com,
at
Discussion Forum: Byetta
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