Hypoglycemia from Combination Pills
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Monday, August 20, 2007 |
Q: "At bed, my glucose readings are 115-130. At least once a week or more, I awaken around 3:30 a.m. sweating, with my heart pounding. I test my glucose and usually it is around 50. What is causing this? I exercise 4 times a week, I watch my carbs, and I have lost 30 pounds. I take Glucovance® 5/500 and Actos®."
A: Congratulations on your successful weight loss and glucose control! However, I am concerned that you have not contacted your doctor about your low glucose readings. Perhaps you had not been instructed on the possibility that you can get too low from one of the medications you are taking.
The Glucovance pill is called a “combination pill” that contains Glyburide (generic name) and Glucophage®. Glyburide is a drug from the sulfonylurea category that can cause hypoglycemia. It may be that due to your lifestyle changes, you no longer need the same types or dosages of all these medications.
In the related question below about combination pills, you will learn that combination pills have the following advantages:
- Combining 2 or more diabetes pills with different mechanisms of action can be very effective due to the complementary and additive effect of these combinations.
- It may be easier to remember to take one combination pill rather than the two separate pills.
- Your cost may be lower as you might only have one co-pay for the combination pill rather than two separate co-pays.
However, the disadvantage, in your case, is that you are experiencing hypoglycemia from the Glyburide component of the Glucovance combination pill. It is possible that you no longer need that component part of your pill, or that you need a reduction in the dose.
Please be sure to read the information contained in the related questions below regarding how to treat hypoglycemia, and when to call your doctor.
Summary:
- Your exercise, careful meal planning, and successful weight loss have all contributed to your lower glucose readings.
- The Glyburide component of your combination pill (Glucovance) can cause hypoglycemia.
- Review treatment of hypoglycemia in the related question below.
- Always report any unexplained low glucose episode to your diabetes team.
- Confirm your glucose goals-- as well as what is considered too low or too high for you—with your diabetes team.
Related Questions
Combination Pills
Q:
"Are the combination pills, such as Avandamet®, Glucovance® and Metaglip®
better than taking the individual pills?"
When to call the doctor
Q:
"I always read about target goals, but they don't say when to call the
doctor. What is really too low or too high? Although I am often under 130
before meals, sometimes I'm not; yet I can't imagine that I would call every
time I'm above 130."
Glucose goals
Q:
"What is a good blood glucose reading?"
Related Links
Glucovance®
http://www.glucovance.com/
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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