I'm New To This Site With a Question.
First - something about me.
I've had type 2 for about 15 years. About 4 years ago my Dr. put me on Lantus to get my A1C down. It worked and I've been running between 6.7 & 7.1 since then. Since I'm overweight and find it very hard loosing weight primarily because exercixe is not something I can do a lot of as I have 2 bad knees and it's rough walking or riding a fixed bike. I'm 67 and not active. About 1 1/2 months ago my Dr. took me off Lantus and Actos and put me on Victoza. Known to help lose weight, the Victoza appears to be working as advertised, I've lost about 10 lbs. so far. However, since Victoza is not insulin, my A1C has gone up to 7.8 and I'm getting nervous. I do have some increased tingling in my feet.
Here's my question.
Does anyone know if Victoza can be taken with Lantus? My Dr. says NO, because insulin has a tendency to increase weight and one counteracts the other. Any thoughts on this or has anyone heard anything about this issue?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on -
Well, it depends. The first GLP-1, Byetta has been studied with Lantus and been found to not only be safe, but effective when used in combination. The FDA has approved Byetta for use with Lantus.
But it hasn't been studied with Levemir and Victoza has not been studied with any basal insulin. That doesn't mean it isn't safe or effective, only that studies have not been done and the FDA has not approved is as a valid use. But this doesn't mean that doctors can't prescribe Victoza in combination, in fact they can, it is called "off label" use. And in this case, it is a reasonable decision. If your doctor refuses to budge, then ask him for Byetta with Lantus. You really don't care about the extra injection do you?
Do what you have to in order to get good control. You deserve it.
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Permalink Reply by Jonah on
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Blood sugar control is more important than weight loss. Some doctors see weight loss as more important; that is a dangerous bias.
If your doctors is not an endo, ask for a referral to one. If he is one, switch endos.As far as exercise goes... can you swim? That lowers my blood sugar pretty effectively
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Permalink Reply by Zoe on -
If you are not producing enough insulin anymore to keep your blood sugar regulated you need insulin. End of story. Anything else such as Victoza to control weight is secondary. You are right to be nervous if your A1C is up to 7.8 and you need to see an endo who will help you control your blood sugar.
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Permalink Reply by Len A on -
Are you seeing an Endo? My Endo has me on both Lantus and Victoza +met. I haven't gained any weight while being on both. My BG's have come down from being just awful to outstanding(at least for me) <120 fasting, with lot's of <100 and between 120-140 or lower non fasting, and I test 4-6x's a day. I do still do have some blips that go beyond but thus far, along with being so much more energetic and exercising and cutting carbs I am very pleased with this approach. I don't see why the two can't be used in harmony.
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Permalink Reply by Emmy on -
If your A1c has gone up that much and you have more nerve damage, get a second opinion asap. Your blood sugar must be kept under control, and stopping the insulin obviously isn't the right choice for you.
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Permalink Reply by furball64801 on -
I was on byetta and lantus and it worked, I would think you need to see an endo at this point if your doc will not go that course.
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