At 49, can weekly injections control my diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 49-year-old male, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes six years ago. I am currently taking Metformin and Glimepiride; however, my blood sugar levels continue to fluctuate, with fasting levels ranging from 150 to 180 on most days.

My doctor has mentioned that insulin may be necessary, but I have a fear of injections. I am also concerned about long-term complications such as kidney failure and eye damage. I make an effort to walk daily, but maintaining a proper diet is challenging as I have a fondness for bread and rice.

Please tell me, do the weekly injections that I see advertised on television assist with managing blood sugar levels and weight as well?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Your concern is very valid, and it is good that you are being proactive about your diabetes management.

When blood sugars remain high despite regular use of Metformin (a Biguanide) and Glimepiride (a second-generation Sulfonylurea), it often means that your pancreas is not producing enough insulin or that your body has developed more resistance to it over time.

Consistently high fasting sugars in the 150 to 180 milligrams per deciliter range can increase the risk of long-term complications such as kidney damage, vision problems, and nerve issues, so adjusting your treatment plan is important.

Insulin can be very effective and safe when used properly, and many patients find that once they start, it is not as intimidating as they feared because modern insulin pens use very fine needles that cause minimal discomfort.

However, before starting Insulin, another option worth discussing with your doctor is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonist injection such as Semaglutide or Dulaglutide.

These medications are given once weekly and work by stimulating insulin release, reducing appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and often leading to weight loss while helping lower blood sugar significantly.

They can be a good step before insulin if your doctor feels it is appropriate. Alongside medication, diet changes will make a big difference. I would suggest that you:

Reduce portion sizes of bread and rice, include more vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, and avoid sugary drinks.
Regular walking is excellent, so continue that habit.

You should also do the following tests:

HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin).
Kidney function test.
Eye exam.

These tests should be done at least once a year to catch any early complications. Discuss these newer treatment options and a personalized diet plan with your endocrinologist. They can help you gain better control without feeling overwhelmed.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.