I was recently prescribed this by my cardiologist to reduce my HbA1c which is currently at 42 ( pre- diabetic). However, he also mentioned that in recent trials it has shown improved cardiovascular function in people that are not pre/diabetic.
So like a great ape 🦍 I’m taking it along with the other 5 million pills I take a day. Has anyone else had this prescribed and if so what is your experience’s of it ?
I know very little about it bar it is not recommended for Type Is like yours truly. May I ask what diet are you following and what medications are you taking to reduce your HbA1c?
I was given it by the diabetic clinic at Charring Cross. Its side effect for us type 1's was it raises this risk dangerously of getting Ketones and I had it several times whilst using the drug on trial. It made be vomit, high levels of Ketones is very dangerous. It did make a difference to my sugar levels and hba1c though.
Some type 1's manage to take it and it works well for them, others like me, weren't so lucky to properly benefit from Empagliflozin.
Anything to reduce the glucose to normal levels longterm must be good for the heart.
I have had a few episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis particularly in my teens/twenties but only once since the advent of BG meters.
I am not sure where I read it - it could have been in a waiting area.
Must admit Michael, I've never really had a problem with it even though I've had some blood sugars that read "hi" on the meter. But those tablets gave me a taste of what Ketoacidosis really is and never have I had it that bad. I actually vomited in a very well known person's house, being a cameraman we were filming there, and because of the tablets. Everyone thought I was hungover but I don't touch alcohol; explaining was awkward to say the least.
Yes of course, I’m following the BHF diet along with daily exercise. And this is the only blood sugaring type medication I am taking.
Another thought - are you counting carbs. For Type IIs the initial recommendation is usually 100gm per day in total.
That’s interesting. My Doc wasn’t at all worried when I scored a 42 as it was so border line. I evaluated my diet and realised I had a lot of hidden sugar in juice and fruit so cut it out and I’m OK now. I’d be interested to hear how you get on.
Same here in regards to the GP’s reaction, it was the cardiologist who prescribed them.
His words verbatim ‘ Your GP won’t understand the mechanism of how these tablets will benefit you’
He’s also prescribed me Ezetimibe on top of the statin I take because he wants my good cholesterol up and my triglycerides down.
Thanks, Deano. One to think about.
Please don’t reply if you don’t want to - but do you feel able to give a bit of info about your heart condition?
Yes of course had an nstemi a while back. I have mild atherosclerosis in all arteries and one stent mid vessel in my non dominant circumflex.
Similar to me. I had an NSTEMI 3 years ago and stent to LAD. Main difference is I’m otherwise (or was at the time) clear. Thanks.
Im in the US and we have different measurements on HbAIc so I wont speak to the #. At one time mine was “
Prediabetic”. I lost weight, changed my diet, started exrrcising( mostly walking) and the number came down below normal. Looking back, at that time I got a steroid shot in to my shoulder, which steroids can jack up blood sugars. Taking statins for cholesterol can also have an influence on blood sugars in some people.
Is this the same drug as dapagliflozin which I think is being trialed for HF?
Oh right I’m not sure 🤔. I haven’t got HF, but he did say that the drug has shown promising results in increasing heart function.
I'm sure it is the same family of drugs. I'm prescribed dapagliflozin too which seems to be working OK for me.
Hi
My cardiology professor said I will be put on it in the new year for my heart failure, both are the same drugs . Supposed to help heart failure and reduce symptoms by 25 % so looking forward to it.
Yeah, it's shown very good results. Unfortunately it's looking like my husband won't be suitable for Entresto so we're hopefull for this one.
Come on Deano, own up .You made that word up just to fool us. Empagagliflozin !!!!!
😂, busted.
No seriously, check it out and the trials. In the US there rushing through testing for HF. I think lesser knows about it as well.
That`s good news.I`ve got HF.Just got to live long enough to see it widely prescribed.Here`s hoping!
Maybe have a chat with your GP
empagliflozin/dapagliflozin (note the correct spelling!) are currently prescribed for type 2 diabetes but also showed good results for HF. So it's been trialed and will start being prescribed for the treatment of HF next year.
Thanks Lezzers,will make a note of correct spelling.I wanted to spell it empagagaliflozin.x
Who makes these names up anyway 😂
I'll have to try asking my GP about empagagaliflozin... although the last bit looks like something my dentist would recommend 
Do some research on it first because the cardiologist I saw said potentially your GP won’t have a clue how it works for improving heart function.
Will do. My Hba1c is currently 45, and I have HF, so I could be the perfect candidate. And I must stop eating so much fruit!
Most definitely, I take some many drugs now what harm is another one gonna do.
Just looked up adverse side effects.Horrendous!I`m going to stick with good ole uncomplicated HF thanks.
Really! Will have a look at them
Do that.See what you think.
OK, will look at it tonight. Any particular site you looked at?
Sorry,can`t remember!
I've had a look at the empagagawotsit side effects & it can impair kidney function but your eGFR has to be 60 or above before they prescribe it anyway. I think the most serious side effect is ediabetic ketoacidosis which I think is a diabetes issues, Michael will probably know more bout that. Kevins eGFR is 60 so kinda borderline really.
I`ve no idea what my eGFR is but I`m doing ok with my pacemaker and medication so I doubt if I`d be offered empagagging anyway.Thanks for letting me know.x
I deliberately spelt it wrong to keep everyone on their toes 😏
As if anyone`s going to believe that!!
Some people might of if you hadn’t said anything 🥺
This is true but forewarned is fore armed or something like that.
Sorry,obscure answer.Thought you were talking about empagagawotsitxx
Having my pacemaker replaced next month will mention it to cardiologist.Better learn how to pronounce it or at least how to spell it.
I am diabetic type 2 and Dr said Metformin had a similar effect preventing HF
Yes the cardiologist said to me it’s a preventative measure.
statins
Pre-diabetic
How flexible can you be .....
