I'm an insulin resistant Type 1 and was reading an article in diaTribe's current newsletter written by a Type 1 who was using Victoza and experiencing some remarkable flattening of her lows and highs.  I know this is a Type II drug and it is considered off-label use for Type I's but I know some doctors are prescribing it for their Type I patients.  I'm going to see my doctor on the 9th and am going to ask him to let me try this - but was wondering if there were any other Type 1's out there that could give some feedback on their experiences.  I'm currently on the Minimed 722 pump (LOVE it) and I also take Symlin (really LOVE it).  It sounds like Victoza might be another thing that could help with insulin resistance!  Thanks!!

Views: 3445

Replies to This Discussion

Hi Sophia, 20 lbs is very good !!! I read a lot of posts but about people with T2 and they said that they stop loosing weight when they reach their normal weight. That will be nice, something that allow you to loose just what you need !! Surrealistic? Is the case with you?
I still have quite a bit more to lose to get to where I want to be, but I also have other medical challenges. I am T1 though. The impression I have gotten is that the appetite suppression only lasts for a short time (several weeks or a few months), then you have to increase the dose. Once you get to the maximum dose, if you still need to lose weight, you have to look for additional options. I suppose it is a little different for everyone.
Thanks Sophia

There are several digestive hormones that relate to blood sugar and appetite control including Amylin (which Symlin is for), Glucagon-like peptide hormone-1 (which Victoza is 97% like the human form of GLP-1), leptin, grehlin, and more.

Each digestive hormone helps in a different, but similar way with the digestive process. Some help with stomach rate of digestion. Some help with appetite suppression. Some help tell a functioning pancreas to secrete insulin when food is present. Some shut off glucgagon which makes the liver stop producing (as much) sugar after meals. There are receptors all over the body and each hormone works in different ways in different body parts, though some of their actions seem to overlap. :o)

Symlin is very short acting (about 4 hours) where Victoza lasts about 26 hours, so people like taking 1 injection/day vs. 3/day. Symlin more 'dramatically' 'covers' meal time BG spikes, Victoza more 'dramatically' 'covers' basal insulin (because of decreased glucagon and liver sugar).

However, I would love to hear more about what people actually comparing Symlin to Victoza actually find with their BGs after meals, overnight, between long periods without eating, etc.

It would be interesting to see what would happen if Katrina ever tried Victoza instead of Symlin. I'd love to know what your tolerence, satiety, side effects, low BG issues, digestion rate, etc. would be like comparing Symlin to Victoza individually and not simultaneously.

If anyone else switched from Symlin to Victoza, please feel free to elaborate!! :o)
Thanks!

I am a T1 on Victoza and love it. I split my daily dose into two injection 12 hours apart. The pharmacodynamics of Victoza shows a peak plasma concentration at about 8-12 hours after injection which may or may not be seen in your sugars depending on you rates and sensitivity. If you experience lower BG's 8-12 hours after injection like I did, consider splitting the dose. This works beautifully for me because the effects are soooooo stable, no peak and no wear off. It mostly helps to reduce your dependence on insulin for your basals. I found this most helpful during activity. Having less insulin in my system at any one time makes me less susceptible to lows from increased activity and light exercise, like walking my dog or riding my bike to school. I still need a temp 50% basal before going to the gym or any extended/moderate to heavy exercise - group exercise classes for example.

Thanks Richelle. I'm a LADA and my ENDO suggested I try Victoza because of my insulin resistance. I'm on 1.2mg and have reduced my total daily insulin use by about 30%. I'm going to try splitting the dose like you suggest as I'm having some issues with lows due to exercise as well as unexpected lows in the afternoon (about 8 hours after my morning dose). I'm still experimenting, but it seems to be working for me.

If your main problem is insulin resistance, you might ask about metformin instead of Victoza. Victoza just reduces glucagon, but doesn't have any direct effect on cell's ability to take up glucose. Metformin does, so it might be a better fit. Ask your endo about it.

RSS

Advertisement



REsources

From the Diabetes Hands Foundation blog...

How do you measure the work of volunteers?

329,040 minutes, 329,040 moments so dear. 329,040 minutes — How do you measure, measure volunteers? In smileys, in tears shed, in counsel, in cups of coffee. In units, in carb counts, in laughter, in strife. In 329,040 minutes – how …
Continue Reading

DHF Expands Board of Advisors

Diabetes Hands Foundation has always relied on partners and advisors to increase its understanding of the diabetes space, in order to better serve people touched by diabetes. Today this is as true as ever, as we proudly announce the expansion …
Continue Reading

TuDiabetes Team

DHF STAFF

Manny Hernandez
(Co-Founder, Editor, has LADA)

Emily Coles
(Head of Communities, has type 1)

Emily Walton
(Business Manager)

Mike Lawson
(Head of Experience, has type 1)

Corinna Cornejo
(Development Manager, has type 2)

Heather Gabel
(Administrative and Programs Assistant, has type 1)

DHF VOLUNTEERS


Lead Administrator
Bradford (has type 1)

Administrators
Lorraine (mother of type 1)
Marie B (has type 1)

Teena (has type 2)

Brian (bsc) (has type 2)

jrtpup (has LADA)

 

LIKE us on Facebook

Spread the word

Loading…

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

© 2013   A community of people touched by diabetes, run by the Diabetes Hands Foundation.

Badges  |  Contact Us  |  Terms of Service