<x{yz}enophil44@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:8348i4pajk17qfgphadl0n6fsqvfh033ss@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Forgive me for diving straight in to the group, but I have a question
> which somone on alt.sup****t.diabetes.uk suggested could better be
> answered here.
>
> I'm an obese arthritic 64 year old Type 2 diabetic with heart failure
> and find it extremely difficult to manage my blood glucose, since it's
> virtually impossible for me to take proper exercise, owing to the knees
> and the breathlessness.
>
> My diabetician has now suggested that I should try Exenatide (Byetta) on
> the grounds that it would control my blood glucose and also help me lose
> weight. Losing weight would be great for the heart failure and the
> wonky knees! The diabetic nurse says that common side effects are
> nausea and vomiting, which I don't much fancy, and that this can last up
> to a fortnight.
>
> I've Scroogled for it and find that some people also experience
> pancreatitis.
>
> Does anyone have any experience of taking this stuff either themselves,
> or among friends and family? I'd be really grateful for anyone's
> experiences with this before I make up my mind.
Welcome to the group, and diving right in is good! Sorry you're in the
diabetes club, though.
I'm a six-year Type 2 veteran, and I'm disabled with severe arthritis and
moderate lung obstruction. I hear you loud and clear about difficulty
exercising.
I've been using Byetta for 2 1/2 years and have lost 36 lbs. The weight
loss has slowed down, but I'm still losing, which is a good thing. I try
to
move around as much as I can - every little bit helps. As the weight has
come off, it is indeed easier moving around.
I started with 5 mcg. twice a day, and when I had no side effects other
than
mild nausea after a month, I graduated to 10 mcg. twice a day. My doctor
told me to be sure to eat within an hour after taking Byetta. I've
noticed
the longer I wait to eat, the more likely I am to experience nausea.
Generally I eat about 30 minutes after taking the shot. There are times
when I still experience mild nausea, but I've found drinking ginger tea or
eating a small (1/2" square) piece of crystallized ginger works very well
to
control the tummy upset.
My doctor also said that the risk of pancreatitis in Byetta users is
higher
in people who abuse alcohol. You can check with your diabetician about
all
of the risk factors for pancreatitis.
I wish you the best of luck! Keep us posted on how you're doing.
Karen
Type 2
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