Drug side effects

[OneLump22]

Last month I went from prediabetic to hitting 300 due to the Dexamethasone I've been having to take for my chemo treatments. My oncologist put me on metformin & it brought my level down, but now I've been in & out of the ER. Once with intestinal issues, once with chronic diarrhea & shortness of breath, & just got out after developing pneumonia. They have found cardiac problems & put me on digoxin 125 mcg & metoprolol tartrate 25 mg + a Biointellisense button & hub. Are there any medical personnel here have an opinion good or bad? I'm not looking for a diagnosis or anything. I just didn't feel like I had a choice when they sent me home & I didn't get to do any research on all this. They suggested I do a sleep study with the hospital as well. They think I may be developing sleep apnea as well.

[SpongebobMom]

I would immediately go zero carb - 100% meat based will bring that super high blood glucose back down you might even be able to stop the metformin. Look for hidden sugars in your food. I am a carnivore, I eat 0 plants & I am thriving.

[Andersl]

I'm not a medically qualified person but as someone with reactive hypoglycemia I do know how steroids given with the anti cancer treatment can affect blood glucose levels.My levels go through the roof when I have steroids but I still use diet to manage them knowing that it is temporary and they'll come back to normal once the steroids have stopped.

I've refused Metformin in the past on the basis I don't want side effects of any more drugs than absolutely necessary.

I'm not advising you to do the same but it might be worth having a 'what if I manage my glucose levels with diet and see how they go?' Conversation with your endocrinologist/oncologist.

As for me, I'm going to have a "what if I have a smaller dose of steroids?'conversation with my oncologist. If its feasible that may reduce my appetite and high blood sugars for the few days after I take this drug each cycle. Oh and help with the steroid mood swings too

Keep in touch

Xx

[Iwasborntodothis in reply to Andersl]

I agree 100% - if the steroids cause the problem why are they adding all these other drugs? I had metformin once and it was terrible. My steroids cause a blip rise on treatment day and wear off to normal shortly therafter. Geesh, this seems ridiculous to me. Please ask your doc as suggested above.

[OneLump22 in reply to Andersl]

My Oncologist took me off the Metformin when I developed the diahrreah & the glucose levels went down a little. I'm paying closer attention to added sugars on labels & going easier on foods with sugar, especially prepackaged fruit bowls. I was trying to find alternative snacks when getting the munchies or cravings for something sweet. I'll definitely be posting updates.