Diabetes Type 2 Support Group

I first started Byetta once a day with 10mcg, NOT good! I had two experiences of low blood sugar, the 2nd time I was really close to passing out. Pretty scarey!
Now with 5mcg 2x/day I have no problems.
At first it supressed my appetite but not so much now.
Also, I'm having depression problems which I think is contributing to my eating so badly lately.

At this point I'd say if you're considering it, give it a try it's not as difficult as I thought it would be giving myself a shot. Plus it's all premeasured which makes it pretty easy.

I did Byetta 5 for a month and it was GREAT for appetitie suppression. I lost 5 pounds without trying. I had a tiny cramp about 5 minutes after the shot but nothing else.

This month I switched to the 10. No appetite suppression. Bummer. I feel nothing at all.

Hi Dr. 0-

What is the difference between taking Byetta and waiting 0-60 minutes before eating? My typical morning routine is Metformin + Actos + Byetta + breakfast. Should I instead take Byetta as soon as I wake up, then wait an hour, then Metformin + Actos + breakfast?

At dinner my routine is Byetta + Metformin + dinner. Should I change that?

Also, does Actos care if it is before/during/after a meal?

All the med stuff is confusing...I don't think "they" should let you get diabetes unless you have a PhD in chemistry!

Cathy in Chicago

Hey CathyH: as you know the administration of Byetta specifies that you take it WITHIN the 60 minute time period before the meal. I know your ? is does it matter if its right before..or 60 mintues before. Without getting TOO much in to the mechanism of Byetta here is why I think most recommend you take approx 10-15 minutes before your meal:

1) Byetta (Exenatide) acts to improve glucose control via several mechanisms. Byetta suppresses glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake and promotes β-cell proliferation.
2) Byetta acutely improves glycemic control by reducing POSTPRANDIAL (after you eat) glucose concentrations in patients with type II diabetes
3) HERE IS ONE REASON THE TIMING IS IMPORTANT: First-phase insulin response (release of insulin WITHIN 10 MINUTES following a glucose load) is LOST in patients with type 2 diabetes. Byetta RESTORES first-phase insulin response to glucose.
4) Byetta ALSO slows gastric emptying so it reduces the rate at which meal-derived glucose appears in the circulation.
5) The terminal Half-life of Byetta is 2.4 hours so it doesnt stick around very long
6) There is no problem taking Byetta with your metformin and actos.
7) Actos may be taken with or without food and it doesnt care when you take it
Dr O.

Hi Dr. O-

How mission-critical is timing with Byetta? I am on month 3 with Byetta 10. I know that plan "A" is to take the Byetta one hour before breakfast and dinner, but most of the time I end up taking the first bite of my meal, then get up and take both my Metformin and Byetta. My numbers are going up, and I wonder if the Byetta is not working. Tha nks,

Cathy

Hi Everyone,
It's Snow Owl Here.
I live in Southern Ontario,Canada.
I'm wondering if anyone here knows ,when Byetta,will be availablein Canada.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Snow Owl