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Diabetic Medications

 

Metformin (Glucophage)

Action: Decreases glucose production by liver and increases insulin sensitivity.

Can be safely taken on a low-carb diet.
There’s minimal risk of low blood sugar if only on Metformin.

Sulphonylureas : Gliclazide Glibenclamide

Action: increase Insulin release from pancreas
Effect on Blood Sugar : Lower

Danger : Hypoglycaemia
Discuss with doctor before going on low carb diet.

GLP-1 agonists (e.g. Victoza, Byetta)

Action: Mimics the function of incretin – a hormone in the body that helps lower blood sugars after a meal
Effect on Blood Sugar : Marginally lower

Advice: Discuss with doctor before starting low carb diet

DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g. Januvia/Sitagliptin)

Action: Protect incretins from damage
Effect on Blood Sugar: Rarely leads to low blood sugar on a low carb diet.

SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g. Farxiga, Jardiance, Invokana)

Action: Prevent Kidneys reabsorbing glucose

Effect on blood sugar:
Danger: Increases risk of Ketoacidosis – a life threatening condition associated with diabetes. Symptoms include: Nausea, Vomiting extreme thirst, rapid breathing

Advice: Consult with doctor before going on a low carb diet.

Insulin

Action: The body’s storage hormone – takes sugar from the blood and puts it in the cells.

Effect on blood sugar: Lowers blood glucose

Danger: Coma due to low blood sugar

Advice: Consult with doctor before going on a low carb diet as dose will need careful monitoring.

 

 

 

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