• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Metformin side effects!?!?

Terryrhino

Terryrhino

Well-Known Member
Messages
231
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi all I was just wondering about a specific side effect of metformin?
I've been taking 500mg a day last week and as of 15th October it's doubled to 1000mg a day as the doctor told me, my concern is I'm having slight stomach cramps and slight constipation I'm also on a low carb high ish fat diet,
I also suffer with diverticular disease I'm just wondering if my symptoms were from the metformin or diverticulitis I know you're not doctors and can't give me a diagnosis but thoughts and opinions are very helpful

Thanks in advance
 
Lots of people have stomach problems when on Metformin although most complain of diarrhoea and not constipation. It could be that. I have never had diverticulitis but I thought it was a bit worse than slight stomach cramps.
 
That's why I'm not to worried at the moment as it's absolute agony but starts off mild I don't wish diverticulitis on anybody, just after a few opinions on the metformin thanks for your input
 
not everyone can use metformin without troubles... you diverticular disease also can make some foods and medicine hard to take

but a lot of people have problems with metformin the first 14 days and then it seems to go away... you are the only one to decide if you´ll try to see if your troubles goes away or if you are far too ill from the sideeffects..

luckily there are other options though if you can take them metformin is among the best and the most used medication for newly diagnosed diabetics type 2

I think you could maybe take half a banana and mix it with almond-milk (the one without added sugar) to help make a protection for your stomack.... here in the beginning, but only once a day as bananas are high in carbs.... but if it help you to better be able to take your metformin maybe it would be the best for you

with this diverticular disease maybe you should not change your diet too fast and too drastically... I think you should get some help from a dietist, from the hospital to create a diet that works for your stomach and is also as low carb as possible, but also gives you enough fibres and vitamins, minerals and trace minerals as possible..
and remember to eat fat fish at least twice a week or at least take fish oil capsuels or krill capsuels
You should not be alone in solving your diet when having serious problems like diverticular disease together with diabetes 2... ask your GP to get some help from a dietist.
 
I only had a Loose stomach the first 14 days , since then no troubles at all with metformin
 
mist said:
Hang in there fella, you'll be alright ;)
Click to expand...

Cheers mist everything is quite daunting at tho moment 2 conditions with no cure and psoriasis too oops that s 3 incurables lol got to laugh or I'll cry
 
Terryrhino said:
Cheers mist everything is quite daunting at tho moment 2 conditions with no cure and psoriasis too oops that s 3 incurables lol got to laugh or I'll cry
Click to expand...

I too have psoriasis a lot of diabetic 2´s seem to have it , it ofhen goes together or with other skin problems
 
mist said:
True dat mate, but on the plus side, you have a cool username ;)
Click to expand...

Thick skinned .!!!!!
I used to be a Rhino keeper at longleat Safari park and not part of the Leeds Rhinos rugby team as some people think
 
Abdominal pain is a fairly common side effect. There are various skin issues that can arise - redness, itching, hives etc which if you already have a skin condition may be hard to separate.

If the pains continue beyond about a fortnight (or become intolerable), try asking for a modified release version of metformin.
 
Jay-Marc said:
Abdominal pain is a fairly common side effect. There are various skin issues that can arise - redness, itching, hives etc which if you already have a skin condition may be hard to separate.

If the pains continue beyond about a fortnight (or become intolerable), try asking for a modified release version of metformin.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, like most men I will leave it and hope it gets better in a day or two but if not I'll make an appointment with the doctor
 
hi , i also have diverticulitis and type 2 , i only recently type 2 aug 5th this year , the slight cramps would be more diverticulitis then the metformin , i found the metformin if your diet is very little sugar and low carbs constipation is an issue , so i increased the carbs more and became more regular . im on 500mg 3 times a day , just i found if i dont take very low carbs and no sugar it causes some more side effects . but increase the carbs is my suggestion and leave out the sugar will help also i have buscopan to help with cramps .. maybe try them.
 
Hello

I had very mild issues, I suspected it was my body getting used to meds and a new diet. The sudden increase in fibre etc can take a few weeks to settle down

Unless the world is falling out of your bottom then stick with it for a few weeks else see the quack.
 
Interesting thread, I was diagnosed with type 2 last summer 2015 and take slow release Metformin. In September 2016 diagnosed with IBS, already have diverticulitis having had violent diarrhoea and stomach cramps 3 2 4 times a week. having great difficulty in attempting 2 diets one for IBS and the diabetic one. Most fruits and vegetables are major no nos. I think this is not Metformin related as I have taken this for over a year. Love to know if others relate to this?
 
i had metformin 2x 500 daily after 9 days it was bad dr put me on the sr version 1 x 1000 it was worse
then put me down to 1x 500 sr have been now for 2 weeks and im back to a normal shall we say toilet
trip dr wanted to up me back to 2 x 500 sr daily but decided to stick at 1 till i get my next HbA1c
test in december then i will consider if its going to happen or not
 
Back
Top