I had a read in the noted side effects from the clinical trials.

And yes it is clearly noted that there is a (notable) increased risk of worsening retinopathy (8% of patients) that had a previous retinopathy issue.

So, yes, the risk is "somewhat significant".

Rybelsus is what is generally called a "Tier 3" drug for treating Diabetes. Tier 3 is the "last chance before insulin".

It works very well in patients that have very low insulin production (some insulin production is required for all of the other current diabetes medications).

But it also has a high incidence (about 10% of patients) that get chronic yeast infections because of it's (method of action). It causes the kidneys to suck blood sugar out of the blood and it's passed in urine.

So really, the question you need to discuss with your Doctor is, are the potential side effects within your tolerance to "stay off insulin"?

If you are not averse to going on insulin, which has little to no "significant" side effects unless you overdose on it - save the possibility of gaining a little weight (which can be avoided).

For me the question would be easy. I don't see insulin as some "boogey man" to be avoided. Every other drug we can possibly take to treat is simply trying to delay taking the very substance that we actually "need" to treat our diabetes as well as possible.

So is the risk, albeit only 1 in 10 or 12 of having your retinopathy return or having to deal with yeast infections "preferred" over having to stick yourself?

Only you, with the assistance or your Doc, can answer that.

Appreciate all the good info you have given me.