PBC and insulin

[woodlandT]

Diagnosed with PBC 3 years ago .

My blood glucose levels are rising and I've managed so far with diet but now GP wants to put me on insulin instead of any oral drugs because of PBC.

Is this normal ???

[Hidden]

Hello WoodlandT-I was diagnosed with diabetes 13 years ago and PBC 12 years ago roughly. Before my diagnosis with PBC my endo doctor had me on Metformin (only oral med my insurance would cover at the time). I had massive diarrhea up to 6 times after each meal which wouldn't go away. I stopped taking it after multiple attempts to modify dosage etc. without any relief of side effects. I appealed to the insurance company for an alternative...one year later I was diagnosed with PBC. The diagnosis came about because I kept pushing for answers regarding excessive tiredness and abdominal discomfort.

Insulin can help you regulate your glucose better than oral meds. Oral meds need to metabolized through your liver and with liver impairment it won't be as effective. It takes time to get used to insulin, diet, exercise, and illness (flare ups). Your liver plays a role in glucose regulation therefore making it difficult sometimes to stabilize your glucose, but eventually you will find what works for you. Obviously, keep checking your glucose especially if you end up suffering from hepatic encephalopathy (HE) because the symptoms of high/low glucose levels mirror HE symptoms at times. Also, if you get HE and/or the physician places you on lactulose it can cause hyperglycemia (high glucose/sugars).**Fenofibrate (sometimes prescribed for pbc) if prescribed while on insulin can sometimes cause hypoglycemia (low glucose/sugars).

Hopefully this post helps you-if you have any questions please feel free to post back to me.

[woodlandT in reply to Hidden]

Hi Angel....thank you so much for your really helpful reply.

I was diagnosed with diabetes 7years ago and have managed to control it with diet until recently.

My doctor prescribed Forxiga ..as this didn't go through liver....

About 3 weeks ago she rang and told me to stop taking it .

They have now suggested insulin as best for me.

I am not good with medication generally .so I'm really grateful for your advice.

Hope you are keeping well

Woodland Tierney