Expert: Eric Brandt - 12/24/2006

Question
IT'S CALLED glipizide tab 5mg
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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Hi, not exactly sure which type of diabetes but as I mentioned before her doctor prescribed only a half of insulin pill which at this present time she is not on any and surgar is normal.  Also as I mentioned she was fine until the Doctor prescribed potassium and a half of insulin pill.  She hasn't been taking either for over a week but still have to urinate frequently and can't hold it at times.  I'm trying to find the cause before taking more synthetic medicine because they often cause more side effects and then another drug is proscribed for that side effect and the domino effects continues.Thanks for your help.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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hello, I mistakenly said pressure pill when it was the half insulin pill the doctor prescribed.  She hasn't taken insulin or potassium pill in about week or so but still urinate constantly, like she's not retaining any water, Is there anything you can think of that may help?  Thanks
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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Hello, about 3 months ago my mom had panaceas surgery, she was recovering very well, until she went back for schedule follow-ups a doctor prescribed her potassium and told her to start taking half of high blood pressure.  She started having to urinate constantly through the night.  She went back to the doctor, they prescribed her more medication to strengthen the bladder muscle.  I would like to know if the potassium medication could have caused the bladder problem, if in fact it is a bladder problem and is there any natural alternative that can help her frequent urination.
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Hi,
Can you tell what blood pressure medication your mother is taking?
If it is diuretic then it is likely that the medication is causing her to urinate so much. If she is taking a diuretic is should be taken in the morning so that the diuretic effect has worn off by bedtime.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
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Hi,
Can you tell me what type of diabetes your mother has?
Freque nt urination could mean that her diabetes is not well controlled. sugar spills into the urine and the body dilutes it so the bladder fills up and you need to urinate.
There is another condition which causes excessive urination when the antidiuretic hormone is not functioning properly. There are medications for this as well.
In either case I am not aware of natural products that will control the symptoms, but there are medications that can help. I can make a recommendation you can take to your doctor once I have an accurate diagnosis.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
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Hi,
Insulin does not come in tablet form. Can you tel me the name of the pill? That would be helpful.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

Answer
Hi,
Glipizide stimulates te pancreas to secrete more insulin and it also helps the body use the insulin more efficiently to lower blood sugar level. Sometimes glipizide can lower blood sugar too much. You did not desribe the effects you mom had when she feels sick when taking the medication. It is possible that the medication lowered her blood sugar too much. Does she monitor her blood sugar regularly?
As for alternative medications, chromium can help this type of diabetes but I would advise getting a blood sugar monitor to monitor the effectiveness. High blood sugar is a risk factor for heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and loss of vision among others. Close monitoring of blood glucose is advisable.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm