What Causes High Blood Sugar Level Despite Being On Medication?

Posted on Mon, 5 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 5 May 2014 Answered on

Wed, 21 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have type 2 diabetes. I'm taking 1000mg of Metformin and a glipizide twice daily, yet my blood sugar is still running around 265 to 300. Most of my blood numbers are all out of wack too, i.e. Triglicerides around 550, cholesterol about 250. Blood pressure is good. I'm 5'9", 190 pounds, 19 percent body fat. I walk vigorously for 30 minutes or more 5 or more days per week, and do resistance training 3 days per week. I'm 60 years old and aside from the diabetes, I feel I'm in good shape, but looking at all these numbers, I feel like I'm falling apart. What is your opinion?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 hours later)

Brief answer.....consult a diabetologist for proper control of your diabetes and lipid profile.
Detailed answer....
Hello,
Although you are observing proper dietary control and doing regular exercises,but still it is not enough since the medications bring taken by you are inadequate.
There are various ways by which you can get your blood sugar levels under control.
1... you may add a injection like LANTUS in the night.
2... you may add newer medications like GLIPTINS and alpha glucosidase inhibitors.
3... you may get insulin like MIXTARD for round the clock cover.
In addition lipid lowering agents like STATINS should be added to your Treatment.
Your goal should be ....
Triglycerides below 150.
LDL cholesterol below 80
BLOOD PRESSURE below 120/80.
It is very important to keep your blood sugar levels and lipid levels under control do as to avoid future complications.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar