Diabetes

[DRE8]

I have elevated liver enzymes due to hepatic adenoma.  Currently taking glipizide for high blood sugar, but is causing side effects.  Weight gain, extreme low blood sugar, restless sleep.  What can I take instead that will not affect the liver?

[Super_sally888]

It is also a new practice (Joslin diabetes center - one of the world'sleading diabetes management and research centres) to start all persons with diabetes on insulin instead of oral meds.  

Glipizide is a drug that makes your pancreas put out more insulin so it can cause lows.  It can also make your pancreas burn out faster.  So do research this and consider stopping this drug (in coordination with your Dr.)

Metformin does not have this effect.  So you can ask your Dr. if metformin is safe to take.

Alternative is insulin.  Insulin does have the risk of low blood sugars, but when properly used (and probably in very low doses as you are still having some of your own insulin) it can give excellent blood sugar control.

[diabetes86]

As far as I know (not an MD)  the only diabetes drug that is NOT -processed by the liver is insulin

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without knowing the relevant clinical details or a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to suggest a management plan. While there are a few medications that can bypass the undesired side effect profile, the choice of the medication is best decided by your treating endocrinologist after a detailed clinical evaluation, keeping in mind the sugar control required and other relevant clinical information. It would be best to discuss the situation and the suggested management plan in detail with your treating endocrinologist.
Hope the information is helpful.

Take care!