Would like to talk about Metformin

[xyzzy]

The last thing I need is my appetite to go, struggling to eat enough as is. Really don't need to loose weight. If Metformin does not really help with BS levels what is the point then?. Now really starting to feel a bit frustrated. I am really low carbing, cut out bread, Rice, Sugar etc. Been diagnosed since Aug and there is absolutely no change in BS, sure I am doing myself damage running levels in the late teens most of the time. I need to control this but don't know what else I can do.

If your levels are beginning to regularly climb into the 20's despite low carbing then you need to go see your GP ASAP as levels in the 20's are where things can begin to become seriously dangerous especially if there is a chance you are late onset T1.5. As far as I can see you have been actively low carbing for at least 2 weeks? If that's the case you should get other possibilities checked out. Go see the GP, not the nurse and take your husband, partner or a friend for support if you need to. If you still get no where then I would seriously consider attending your local A&E at the point your levels are in the 20's and tell them what's been happening. You need to start to get all this resolved and soon.

 

[orchidlady]

xyzzy Thanks for your thoughts, to be fair 20 was an unusual, normally sitting around 16 fasting and sometimes even get as low as 12 last thing. I suppose my issue is like to you say have been low carbing since beginning of september with no changes. Did not want to go on Metformin but diet was not making any difference, now being told taking M will not really help with BS levels!!!!!!!!! I want to take control of this but don't really know what else I can do. I did speak ti nurse about possible LADA but she she thought this highly unlikely as would have had an immediate problem BS going out of control.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. I agree with xyzzy that you may need to have another chat with the doc. Going onto Sitagliptin may help control the spikes a bit. I was put on it a year ago to try to keep my levels down; some GPs are not yet really aware of it as it's a fairly new drug. Metformin is really for those who are insulin resistant and it appears you are more like me i.e. not overweight and can't control BS levels anywhere near where they should be. Gliclazide doesn't do much for me as I assume my pancreas is knackered so there are too few cells to stimulate. Whether it's worth you trying it is worth discussing with the doc. Ref LADA, which I'm still suspicious I have, I'm not convinced that it always comes on that quickly for some and I also understand the profession is beginning to realise that it can also be very late onset T1. In many ways the treatment is similar to T2 except that the progression to insulin will be quicker. Let's hope you aren't a LADA. There are tests that can be done i.e. GAD and c-peptide but the NHS is reluctant to do them due to both cost and ignorance.

 

[orchidlady]

Just did an experiment this morning, when saw nurse couple of days ago I talked a lot about low carbing and eating porridge. She said eating porridge is the best and an excellent choice, have had it this morning with no sugar of course, just tested now and reading is 20.1, feeling a little shaky tbh.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Porridge is just another grain and high carb; pity as oats are one of the better grains. I do have a small quantity of home-made muesli each day and the added nuts, seeds etc should, I hope, lower the GI.

 

[orchidlady]

I know Daibell but I was made to feel ridiculous suggesting that it caused my BS to rise

 

[xyzzy]

I know Daibell but I was made to feel ridiculous suggesting that it caused my BS to rise

Ok time to be blunt. That's why you should go talk to your doctor as if she believes a high carbohydrate food source such as porridge doesn't effect levels then she's an idiot. If your gp believes the same he's an idiot to and you should go to A&E and see a doctor there. Putting someone on Metformin whose BG's have been in the high teens and 20's consistently for months despite making good dietary choices shows a complete ignorance of the subject.

 

[Ann19]

Hi Orchidlady, I completely agree with Xyzzy. You really need to see somebody who knows what they are doing with Diabetes. If your GP won't do the GAD or c-peptide test, or refer you urgently to the specialist at the hospital then go to A&E. Running that high you are at risk of complications, please don't let them drag their feet over getting you diagnosed properly.

Ann