Suggest affordable medication for diabetes
Patient: I am a diabetic the doctor order medication that cost $300 for 30 day supply I would like a suggestion of a non expensive drug. Meformin gave me side affects and Glyubride 2x a day is not affective so that is why my doctor orded this lxarendo? I don t have it with me. Miss Edwina Doctor: Hello and Welcome to HealthcareMagic,I can offer a natural suggestion to you that is quite inexpensive. Studies have shown that the herbal Berberine is as effective as Metformin with fewer side effects when used at the same dosage level as your Metformin was prescribed. So if you were taking 500 mg 3x per day of Metformin, the dosage of a high quality Berberine supplement would be 500 mg 3x per day according to the clinical studies.If you decide to try this, I would purchase a good glucometer, control strips and/or solution or a self-calibrating unit and test your blood sugar every morning while taking the Berberine to determine its effectiveness and to also check your glucometer to a lab value within 10 minutes of testing to assure good quality control of your meter. Also, discuss with primary physician before implementing this suggestion.Of course, a good nutritious diet free of added sugars and high in fiber along with a consistent exercise program is the first line of therapy to control blood sugar and medications second. The purchase of nutraceuticals should be from a high quality supplier, generally one that only sells professional brands is best.I hope this information is helpful in some manner and please remember, I do not know all the nuances of your situation or how high your blood sugar is running. I just know the clinical studies on Berberine are impressive and wanted you to be aware of a natural, cheaper, safer alternative that MAY be beneficial in your situation.There may be other opinions to this matter and without knowing intracies of your blood sugar situation, this may be a workable option for you.Regards, Kathryn J. Shattler, BS, MS, RDN