How to Get Blood Sugar Control Without Sore Joints

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar rises even though the body is still making its own insulin. The problem is that cells become resistant to the insulin that is available and are unable to use it to pull glucose out of the bloodstream. There are quite a few medications that are used to maintain blood sugar control in this metabolic disorder. Each one has its own pros and cons. Here is one you might not have heard of: Certain types of diabetes drugs can cause joint pain that really gets your attention.

Side Effects of Taking Januvia for Blood Sugar Control:

Q. I have been taking Januvia for type 2 diabetes for eight months. Ever since I started, every joint has hurt. The pain became worse as time went on. I mentioned the pain to my doctor and he blew me off.

I did not connect it with Januvia until I saw a TV commercial. At the end it mentioned that some people may experience severe joint pain, and it all finally made sense. I didn’t start feeling this way until after I started the Januvia.

I immediately stopped taking it, and two weeks later the pain is much less than it was before. That was all the proof I needed that Januvia was to blame.

Januvia and Joint Pain:

A. It is disappointing that your doctor did not take you seriously when you told him about your joint pain. In August, 2015, the FDA issued a drug safety communication warning that sitagliptin (Januvia) and similar medicines such as saxagliptin (Onglyza) and linagliptin (Tradjenta) can cause “severe and persistent joint pain.” For most people, the pain eases when the drug is discontinued.

Alternative Approaches That Can Help:

You need to tell your doctor about the FDA warning and discuss other ways to treat your diabetes. There are quite a few other medications, and alternative approaches can also be effective. We are sending you our Guide to Managing Diabetes so that you can learn more about other drugs and nondrug approaches to help you achieve blood sugar control. You may also wish to listen to our hour-long discussion of diet, exercise and botanical medicines for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.