Patient was educated on the side effects of using Glucovance as follows:
- Hypoglycemia
- Normally, in a healthy individual, insulin secretion from the pancreas is proportional to the glucose levels in the blood.
- In diabetics, this fine balance is no more in place. Use of Glucovance leads to increased secretion of insulin, irrespective to the blood sugar levels, thus putting the individual at risk for hypoglycemia. Patients can frequently present with dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, and hunger.
- Stomach upset
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste in the mouth, and feeling sick to stomach are the most common side effects of using Glucovance.
- Metabolic acidosis
- Metabolic acidosis secondary to increased lactic acid production is a rare, but a dangerous side effect of using Glucovance.
- Be aware of symptoms of metabolic acidosis, such as, rapid breath and heart rate, confusion, and stomach upset with nausea and vomiting.
- Excessive hunger
- The frequent episodes of hypoglycemia, secondary to use of Glucovance, result in increased appetite and hunger, leading to excessive eating.
