I am taking two tablets of Glizid 80 mg each, for the last one year and have maintained a reasonable good control of diabetes. I have learnt that there are some new tablets which are still better. How do we know which is the best tablet?
Ans.There is nothing like the best tablet, the tablet which suits you ideally, is best for you.
i. Sulphonylureas (Diabenese, Daonil, Glynase,Glizid) are better suited for normal or underweight Type II diabetic patients, whereas for overweight patients, Biguanides (Glyciphage, Glycomet,Obimet,) are better drugs. Diet rich in fibre is helpful in overweight patients. A recent introduction Amaryl is also suited for overweight patients.
ii. Drugs (glynase) have short lived effect.
iii. Besides lowering blood sugar it may have some added advantage. Gliclazide has some good effect on blood coagulation factors, Glucobay is better for those who have higher PP blood sugar. Amaryl causes less hypoglycemia.
iv. Daonil has minimum side effects, it causes more hypoglycemia, biguanide group causes more gastro-intestinal disturbances, alcohol causes flushing of face with Diabenese.
v. It should cause less secondary failure such as Glyciphage, Glucobay, and Amaryl.
Do not change the tablets on advice of some one else except your doctor.
The choice of the drug is to be left to your doctor, to decide which is best for you.