From the Research
It's possible that your blood sugar control may continue to worsen with lanreotide therapy, but this isn't guaranteed and should be closely monitored. Lanreotide (120 mg) is a somatostatin analog that can affect insulin production and glucose metabolism as a side effect. About 15% of patients experience deterioration in glucose control during treatment, as seen in the PRIMARYS study 1. If you're noticing significant changes after your second dose, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment. They may recommend more frequent blood glucose monitoring, adjustments to any diabetes medications you're taking, or in some cases, a reduction in lanreotide dosage. The blood sugar effects occur because lanreotide inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion, which can disrupt your body's normal glucose regulation. These effects may stabilize over time as your body adjusts to the medication, but for some patients, they persist throughout treatment. Your provider might also consider checking your hemoglobin A1c to assess your overall glucose control since starting lanreotide, as suggested by the study published in Clinical Endocrinology 1. Additionally, a more recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2022 2 found that lanreotide is a well-tolerated treatment for patients with congenital hyperinsulinism, resulting in a longer duration of fasting and a simplification of treatment regimens. However, it's essential to prioritize your individual response to the medication and adjust your treatment plan accordingly, under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Some key points to consider:
- Lanreotide can affect glucose metabolism and insulin production
- Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary, especially after changes in dosage or treatment regimen
- Adjustments to diabetes medications or lanreotide dosage may be necessary to maintain optimal glucose control
- Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are crucial to assess your response to the medication and make any necessary adjustments. It's also worth noting that other studies, such as the one published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation in 2002 3, have compared the effects of different somatostatin analogs on glucose metabolism, but the most recent and relevant study for your situation is the one published in 2022 2.