[Lucy4]

Hi everyone! I am thinking of starting Byetta and wondering if anyone has had any experiences with this drug? Thanks!

[dusky1228]

Originally Posted by Lucy4

Hi everyone! I am thinking of starting Byetta and wondering if anyone has had any experiences with this drug? Thanks!

Hi Lucy! No one can say whether starting Byetta is the right thing for you, but I have been on it for several years, and have all good things to say about it. I lost 65 lbs since starting it (all of that 65 lbs was lost in the first 2 months after I started it, and I have maintained that loss in the following 2 years). My blood sugars are in control too. I never had any of the nausea symptoms that are common when starting Byetta.

[Lucy4]

Thanks Dusky! I was diagnosed with Type 2 DM 2-3 years ago. My A1C was 7.1 and was started on Amaryl. Guess I was in denial and then when stressed more difficulty with diet control. have not been the most compliant person. Last A1C a year ago was 6.9. Highest my BS has been when I have checked it is 220s and that was only a couple times. Avg recently was 160-180s which I know is way too high. Hadn't been to the Dr since and went to a new Dr a couple weeks ago. I have another appt in 4 weeks and need to have labs drawn before my appt. One of the DM educators at work gave me a new meter and so for past week or so I have been checking my BS a couple times a day. Also increased the Amaryl from 2mg to 3 mg. Now I range anywhere from usually 120-150. Tonight I was 105 - 3-4 hours after eating. A times I was 120s in evening and then 160-180 in AM before eating. Anyways, the diabetes educator at work said to consider Byetta or maybe Lantus at bedtime for better control. I am 100 lbs overweight so if I could lose some weight I am certain my control would be better. I have been heavier and actually have lost 18-20 lbs in past 2-3 months with WW. Also, I am concerned about BS dropping with Byetta. I read back on an old post that had discussed the hypoglycemic episodes. Once I dropped to 20s (shortly after I started Amaryl) and did come up to 70s-80s after drinking a can of coke. Thanks for the information. I am going to talk with my Dr about the Byetta at my next appointment.

[dusky1228]

Well, you *do* have to watch for hypoglycemia, but that usually only occurs if you don't eat enough when you take it. You have to eat within oe hour of taking Byetta, or else you should not take it. If you eat, lows only occur rarely. I've had way less lows on Byetta than I did on insulin, or even when I took Starlix (an oral hypoglycemic).

[classicdame]

I have been on it about 1 -1/2 yr. but had to drop back to the 5 mcg. dose due to frequent hypoglycemic episodes. Lost only about 15 lbs. but gained it back after a year. Did not have N/V after first week. BS now controlled with Lantus and Byetta.

[Lucy4]

Thanks for your replies. I am seriously thinking abouth the Byetta. If not I may have to go with a low dose Lantus at night. Have a doctors appt in 3 weeks so will discuss then. Will keep you posted.

[classicdame]

Remember, Lantus is insulin and Byetta is another hormone. They cannot be used interchangeably. Also, whatever dose keeps you under control is the "right" insulin dose. Good luck!

[dansingrn]

Classicdame makes a very important point that Byetta and insulin are not the same, and are not substitutes. Byetta works in specific ways, especially by restoring the first phase insulin response. This response is how the pancreas releases insulin in response to a meal. It also helps delay gastric emptying. If the patient doesn't have issues with first phase insulin response or increased gastric emptying time, then Byetta probaby wouldn't be indicated. On the other hand, Lantus is a "background" insulin, providing basal insulin levels around the clock. This is helpful in patients with elevated fasting glucose levels. Medication decisions should be made between the patient and the healthcare provider looking at the big picture; when are the glucoses elevated, eating habits, what other meds are being taken, etc. Although its tempting to look at how others have responded to a med, always remember that there are many factors that go into a medication decision for an individual. Byetta is contraindicated if certain meds are being taken or certain medical conditions coexist with the T2DM.

[Lucy4]

Thanks for your reply! I have increased Amaryl to 3mg and fasting is still 150's to 170's and occassionally higher. Today I had a meal replacement bar in AM and a light lunch. Blood glucose before dinner was 102 - usually120's - 130's. Seven day average is still 150 range because my AM B/S is high. I have lost 20 pounds and have been trying to limit the carbs. Need to take off 80-100 pounds and also excercise. I have another doctor's appointment May 12th and I am going to talk with him about options. Seems like I don't have very good control right now. Will keep you posted.

[classicdame]

do not be afraid of taking insulin if that is what the MD recommends. Some people have a mental block about insulin. But I finally came to the conclusion that I am grateful for whatever meds will work for me!