I've been diagnosed as Type 2 since about 1998, although the doc says I probably had it much sooner, but undiagnosed. Being very detail oriented, I've read every periodical that is out there [that makes sense to me] in order to maintain a healthy status. I'm 52 years old now, with 3 kids ... 20 month old son, 4 year old daughter and a 23 year old son. In other words, I have a lot to live for and intend to be around to be there for all three of my children's weddings.
My HBA1C has been as low as 5.9 and is currently around 6.3. About 2 months ago, my new doctor of internal medicine recommended that we try out Januvia. I've already maxed out on Glucophage [4 x 1000 mg daily] and Avandia. Then the news hit about Avandia and the doc made a decision to back off of Avandia.
Interesting enough, my morning fasting sugar levels have continued to be relatively low, if not better than before Januvia. In general, I hit around 105 to 119 now every morning. They weren't that low before Januvia. And the Avandia apparently didn't make any significant impact.
I've now been off of Avandia for a few weeks and sugar levels are still very easy to maintain. I've always used Prandin to cover any meals that I feel will kick me into the high zone [Chinese, Japanese foods in particular]. But I've noticed that I can cover the glucose burst with 1/2 a pill of Prandin versus the normal whole pill that I used to take.
This has to be attributed to the Januvia. Nothing else explains it. So when I read that Januvia is still in the 'unknown zone' and should wait 7 years, it bothers me. Avandia didn't seem to do anywhere near as much as Januvia. Makes no sense with regard to the reviews.
Anyway, Dr. Joe's column says that the use of L-Arganine is enough to help bullet-proof us against the issues that might be caused by Avandia. I've been on that regimine for several years now. So I'm going to continue with no Avandia, but with Januvia ... supplemented with Glucophage and Prandin as needed. If my HBA1C continues to be low when I check it again in September, I will be convinced that I have made the right decision. Best to all with your health!
>>> Keith I. Smith
Cumming, GA
So far, my weight has remained the same. I haven't changed my pattern of exercise or diet, so that points toward no changes from Januvia.
My intention is to ramp up to a real exercise program so that I can reduce my weight. I'm 5'8" and 180 lbs. Been that way for quite a long time. Guess it's up to me to make a difference there ... :)
>>> Keith