Victoza

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I work in a LTC/Rehab facility and just came across a pt who was on Victoza. I have never heard of it before. It was used in conjunction with an oral anti-diabetic (glipzide) and SS regular insulin.

I did a little research and it said it was not an insulin, but a hormone. Just curious if this works better than others (it appears there are some risks to taking this).

This pt is very non-compliant with diet (BS 464-"I guess it is b/c I ate 2 bags of candy yesterday" uh-duh!)

[CDEWannaBe]

Victoza is another drug that stimulates the pancreas in a type 2 diabetic to make more insulin. It also slows stomach emptying, which can cause the patient to feel full longer and eat less.

Since type 2s have low insulin sensitivity, the Victoza and injected insulin help provide enough to cover the patient's needs. Since the patient doesn't want to eat a strict diet (who does?) he/she may benefit from taking short acting insulin based on the number of carbohydrates eaten. Having that freedom will imporve blood sugar levels and also remove the "forbidden fruit" appeal of candy and other high carb foods.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

agree with CDEWannaBe - sometimes the meds have to be adjusted to the patient's life style. Also, when someone's glucose level is elevated they will crave sweets. Because the "sugar" is all in the blood, the cells are not getting what they need so are sending messages to the patient to eat more. So the question is, which came first - the candy or the elevated blood sugar? Either way, if the patient is compliant with MEDS then the diet needs work, but if pt is taking meds as ordered then the meds needs a review.