Repaglinide+metformin

• Before the doctor prescribes this medication, it is always better that your physician knows about any underlying conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, prior heart attack, alcohol intake, etc.
• A few people with diabetes taking Metformin+repaglinide may rarely develop a serious condition called lactic acidosis, where lactic acid builds up in the blood. The risk is higher in conditions such as severe infection, dehydration, heavy alcohol use, liver problems, kidney problems, and sudden worsening of heart failure.
• Metformin+repaglinide may lower vitamin B12 levels, so consider obtaining blood tests for vitamins.
• Metformin+repaglinide, when used with or without insulin, tends to markedly lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, the physician may reduce the insulin dose.
• Metformin+repaglinide may lower your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level, so an annual TSH check is recommended.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as there may be an interaction.

• Antibiotic medicine (Gatifloxacin)
  • Potential effect: May affect blood sugar levels and cause both low and high blood glucose.
• Cholesterol-lowering medicine (Gemfibrozil)
  • Potential effect: May increase the blood level of Metformin+repaglinide and raise the risk and severity of serious side effects.

Drug-Food Interactions:

• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking Metformin+repaglinide, as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in the blood) or low blood sugar.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Metformin+repaglinide, as it may worsen your condition.

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Cardiovascular disease (heart-related issues)
• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level)

Meal Planning:

• Eat enough vegetables and include some protein and whole grains in your meal.
• Eat meals and snacks at regular times without long gaps.

Physical Activity:

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
• Add short sessions of higher-intensity activity if possible.

Weight Management:

• Lose weight gradually to reach and maintain a healthy body weight.
• Choose balanced meals to support steady weight loss

Diet Choices:

• Replace refined foods with whole grains, fruits, and fibre-rich vegetables.
• Reduce intake of foods high in saturated fat, such as fried snacks and pastries.
• Use healthy cooking oils and limit deep-fried foods.
• Choose low-fat dairy options.

Blood Sugar & Heart Health:

• Monitor blood sugar regularly, especially if levels fluctuate.
• Keep blood pressure within a healthy range to lower heart risk.

Stress Management:

• Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or mindfulness.
• Lower stress helps prevent sudden rises in blood sugar.

• Take short, frequent meals, and avoid prolonged fasting when taking this drug. Beware of hypoglycaemia symptoms, which include sweating, dizziness, palpitations, shivering, intense thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, frequent urination, etc. Whenever you experience the above-mentioned symptoms, immediately consume 5-6 candies, three glucose biscuits, or three teaspoons of honey/sugar and get in touch with your physician. Ensure that you carry these with you at all times, especially for long journeys.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while on this drug as it increases the risk of hypoglycaemia (a decrease in blood sugar, which might be fatal in some cases) and lactic acidosis (when the lactic acid increases in the body, impacting the functioning of various organs in the body).
• Try to quit smoking and reduce carbohydrate-rich foods such as potatoes, mangoes, bread, and sugar.
• Remember, lifestyle modifications are the most important step in controlling blood sugar levels.