Those of you who may remember my earlier posts know that I was diagnosed in April as Type 2 and put
on Glucovance. Because I'm self employed I pay 100% of my insurance, which doesn't cover
prescriptions. My dr. has helped greatly by providing me with samples but occasionally I've had to
purchase the drug myself. Last month when I went to fill the prescription my pharmacist raised his
eyebrows when I told him my ins. didn't cover it and I'd be paying cash for the drug. He asked me,
"Well, why are you on this stuff? You can get the metformin and glyburide much cheaper and it's
easier to tailor the dosages."
I told my doctor this when I saw him again and he agreed to write me separate prescriptions, but
reluctantly. Says, "Well, you know that's two more pills you'll have to take, instead of one." Well,
duh! I've already been taking 4 meds (Altace, Zocor, Tamoxifen, Glucovance) and keeping the dosage
and timing straight just fine, thank you.
I think he is accustomed to diabetes patients who are rather passive about their care. When I go in
for a visit he asks me, "So... have you been taking your medicine?"
Anyway. . he gave me a supply of Glucophage xr 500 (which he had on hand) and a script for
Glipizide 5 mg.
Here's my question... I have read on ASD and MHD some pretty good arguments that forcing the
pancreas to make more insulin via sulfonylureas may not only be unnecessary in Type 2s, but could
deplete whatever insulin making capacity the body still has much sooner.
Is there anyone who made the decision to take metformin without sulfs? If so, how long have you been
doing this, and how is your control? I am tempted to try the metformin alone for a few days to see
how I respond before adding the glipizide. kaci