Metformin: Safer for Heart Than Older Diabetes Drugs?
Metformin vs. Sulfonylureas continued...
"The cardiovascular safety of the sulfonylureas warrants continued study," Kendall tells WebMD.
For the study, the researchers examined the potential association between treatment with a sulfonylurea or metformin and subsequent heart problems in older type 2 patients using data from electronic medical records.
Fu cautions that patients were not randomly assigned to the drugs and that the study does not prove cause and effect. Also, the analysis did not take into account whether people stopped taking their drug or if they started taking medications for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, he says.
"If you have concerns about your medication, ask your doctor," Kendall says. Never stop taking the drug on your own, he says.
These findings were presented at a medical conference. They should be considered preliminary as they have not yet undergone the "peer review" process, in which outside experts scrutinize the data prior to publication in a medical journal.
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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