Insulin degludec and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• jsc...
• February 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "My endo, who is a PA not even a MD, prescribed Tresiba to me. I took the Tresiba for about 2 weeks. I noticed I was getting headaches every day, dry mouth, constant thirst, stomach cramps, IBS symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea, and slightly blurred vision. Well, the other day I went in to see the PA/endocrinologist. I told him I quit taking the Tresiba and restarted taking my Lantus 2 times a day. OMG, he got so angry and upset that he walked out of the room while I was talking to him. He actually said if you aren't going to do things 'MY WAY', then there is no use for you to see me. That's right. I am going to look around this week for a new endo. That kind of attitude is highly unprofessional. I explained to him that I was not going to take a medication that causes me painful side effects. No, I'll never take Tresiba again."

• CJA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Tresiba 7 days ago after nearly 20 years on Lantus, and it has been nightmarish. Had to have a COVID-19 test to rule it out, but I'm sure it is linked to Tresiba getting into my system properly. My blood sugars were totally out of control for 3 days. On day 4, my sugars stabilized but headaches and crushing fatigue started. The headaches occur for 5 hours from late morning/lunchtime, then disappear in the evening. By day 5, I could barely get out of bed with exhaustion, and then the indigestion, reflux, and coughing started. Day 6, nausea and diarrhea and stomach pains, and today terrible stomach pains all day, constant indigestion, shivering, and flu-like symptoms. Sugars are largely stable, but regularly have random spikes even when haven't eaten. Has anybody else had such a weird, horrible experience with Tresiba?"

• Way...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 9, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Tresiba for 6 months. Along with Victoza for my T2. While my A1C has gone from above 16 down to an 8 in the first 3 months, I've gained 30 lbs and I suffer horrible diarrhea. On the days I forget to take my shots, I don't suffer. I also have to be treated for constant UTI since I've been on Tresiba. I've been on Victoza 2 years now. Not sure if anyone else has a side effect of this or if it's another condition, but I'm suffering from joint pain that continues to get worse."

• Izz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2018

For Diabetes, Type 1 "I’ve been on Tresiba for just under a week (made the switch from Levemir) and have mixed feelings. Although it’s still early days in terms of fine-tuning the dose, I feel like it would probably be a great option in terms of enabling more consistent and lower blood glucose levels. HOWEVER, since day 3, I have felt absolutely dreadful. I have had chronic diarrhea that just doesn’t seem to go away. Awful, agony stomach pains. I’ve felt exhausted, far beyond what I’ve ever felt before. To the point where I feel like I could sleep 24/7. And I’ve felt breathless for no reason also. I really want Tresiba to be a viable option for me, but unfortunately, it looks like it’s the most likely cause of these symptoms. So I’ll be on the phone to my diabetes team tomorrow, it looks like another switch will be necessary. Just hoping I’ll start to feel remotely normal soon!!"

• Joy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I actually crave sugar and soda. My bones are stiff and hurt, and I have never had a good fasting number. I am taking it morning and night, even though it lasts 48 hours in my pamphlet, it does not for me. Excessive urine, thirst, and diarrhea with bloating and gas."

• Sul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor prescribed this insulin called Tresiba because my A1C was around 7. I have been taking it about 2 weeks now, and I feel horrible. I feel nauseous, and my stomach feels bloated. Prior to this, I was taking Kombiglyze XR for 5 years, but it wasn't keeping my A1C down enough, but I didn't have these nasty side effects (only loose stools, but that didn't bother me because I can easily get constipated)."

• Ava...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 30, 2018

For Diabetes, Type 1 "I'm so conflicted with my beloved Tresiba. I started it last year, and my sugars have been amazing, especially the last few months. Went from 9 something to 7.2, and bet I'd still be or even in the 6's as of last month. Why am I conflicted? I've had debilitating stomach cramping, chronic diarrhea, and nausea, and other awful chronic problems (I noticed other people mentioned headaches and colds, and I had those too). Been to Drs, and everything comes back 'normal.' Despite my sugars, I am a wreck now, I realized the ONLY thing I've changed in my lifestyle is the Tresiba. I'm going on a week off it and don't know for certain yet, since my symptoms come and go (1 day I'm fine and the next they're back), but I'm going to try to stick it out and see. As far as blood sugar control, I've woken up in the 3 and 400's when off of it. It definitely is a great insulin for my levels. Devastated if I need to find another one now, but excited if my symptoms improve."

• Lon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Tresiba for about 2 months, however, 9 days ago, I started with horrible diarrhea, lower abdominal pain, nausea, with vomiting. My doctor wants me to stay on this stuff."

• Bar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I had gas, bloating, and watery diarrhea. Swelled to size 8 wide shoe from 6.5. Hungry all the time. Lost 6 lbs in 48 hours from loss of fluids."