Over time, as diabetes progresses, it may be necessary to start on
one treatment or a combination of two or more. The most common
treatments are:
- Metformin
- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)
- Sulfonylureas
- SGLT-2 inhibitors
- DPP-4 inhibitors
(gliptins)
- GLP-1
Here, we will focus on GLP-1 and what it can do for you.
GLP-1 works with your body’s own ability to lower blood glucose and
HbA1c. It helps your body release its own insulin and is
designed to respond when your blood glucose rises. Simply put, GLP-1
slows down food leaving your stomach and helps reduce the amount of
glucose released from your liver. When your blood glucose is high, it
increases the amount of insulin released from your pancreas.
Like all medicines, GLP-1 medicine can cause side effects, although
not everybody gets them. Common side effects of GLP-1 include:
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Diarrhoea
Low
blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) is also common when GLP-1
is used with another antidiabetic medicine. Low blood glucose is more
likely to happen if you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin.
For a complete list of side effects, see the Patient Information
leaflet that comes with your GLP-1 pack.
Nausea and diarrhoea usually go away over time. There are no general
solutions or proven tricks that can make side effects disappear, but
here are some ideas.
If you are experiencing nausea, try to:
- Avoid greasy or sweet foods
- Avoid frying – instead,
choose one of the 3B’s method (Bake, Barbecue, Boil)
- Avoid
big meals. For example, you could switch from 3 large to 6 small
meals per day
- Avoid activity after eating
- Stop
eating as soon as you are full
- Drink beverages slowly and
choose clear or ice-cold drinks
If you are experiencing diarrhoea, try to:
- Take frequent sips of water or a rehydration drink to avoid
dehydration
- Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, chocolate, strong
tea, carbonated sodas and caffeine
- Reduce the intake of
fibre until symptoms lower or disappear
- Avoid greasy, fatty
or fried foods
Please note that these tips aim to reduce side effects and are not
indications for a long term diet.
If nausea OR diarrhoea persists or you have questions about your
side effects, speak to your doctor about your experience. Your doctor
may help you develop a balanced eating plan and make sure you respond
correctly to the side effects.
Nausea and diarrhoea could also be caused by something unrelated to
GLP-1 injections. Therefore, you should inform your doctor when these
symptoms occur.
