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Help I have had diabetes for years and been in pretty good control but now I am eighty and during the last year while on avandia i gained almost forty five pounds, plus my legs swelling terribly, when I fell and broke my shoulder I asked them at the hospital to please take me off avandia as It had caused a huge weight gain, so am now  on metformin five hundred twice a day and glyburide 5 three times a day but my weight is still a huge problem, I weighted one ninety five this morning and i know thats awful, I am trying to eat sensibly but am not gaining much grounds, any help most appreciated. I feel so stupid as a year and a half ago I had lost to one seventy and was headed down the right way then my doctor switched me to Avandia.

[Anita Ramsetty, MD]

Hi,
I am sorry about my delayed response.

Unfortunately Avandia can cause some weight gain, and it sounds like you gained quite a bit. Losing the water weight should have helped some.
Have you met with a diabetes dietician? They can likely offer some good suggestions after reviewing your diet in regard to ways of cutting back/calorie restriction. You can also talk to your doctor about Byetta which may help with some weight loss, if you have no contraindications to use of the medication. There are also other prescribed weight loss medications(Orlistat,Meridia) that can help, along with a nutrition and exercise program.
Good luck and take care.