Newrugbyfan
Member
Can anyone tell me if these tablets are immediate release tablets or extended release. My Doctor did not seem to know this.
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Type 2 Metfor IP 500mg
- Thread starter Newrugbyfan
- Start Date
Hello @Newrugbyfan
Can you check the information leaflet in the packet? It might have the details you are looking for. Alternatively, discuss with the dispensing pharmacy. I have not been able to find info on the details you have given.
Newrugbyfan
Member
Thanks for trying. I have searched the internet and there is tons of info but not that particular fact.
Newrugbyfan
Member
Thanks for the reply. They were bought from India but just the blister packs were sent no patient leaflet.. I have contacted the manufacturer as well to see if they can help, but no response as yet.
Are you saying that the medication is has not been prescribed for you? Buying from unknown seller online is not a good idea. Why would you when metformin is easily available on precription. Where are you based, @Newrugbyfan ? Can you not just ask your GP for a prescription? I definitely would not be taking meds that were purchased online, especially if they had no information esclosed.
Newrugbyfan
Member
I am based in France. I use a Freestyle Libre and my numbers are very good but the so called specialist will not let me try pills. No low events in over a year and, time in range 85% plus. I see no risk if levels are monitored every few mins as I can always go back to insulin if need be. I have NO diabetic symptoms and taking pills would just be a nicer/easier way to control my glucose levels.
Extended release tablets are marked 'SR' - 'slow release' - on the packet. I use them after the regular tablets didn't agree with me.
I had a quick look on m
I’ve been on Metformin for 14 years as a T2 (but also had it earlier than that for PCOS) and I still have to eat less than 20g carb a day, the only change I see if I don’t take it for a few days is that my morning fasting reading rises by a couple of points. It also for some people has some nasty debilitating side effects, I don’t have those side effects thankfully
why if you have such good control would you want to take medication? Metformin doesn’t work on the food you eat so it won’t bring your numbers down if you are wanting to slacken off on your carb intake etc, so monitoring your BG with a CGM won’t tell you anything about how Metformin is working, it’s a build up drug that helps with insulin resistance and dawn phenomenon
I’ve been on Metformin for 14 years as a T2 (but also had it earlier than that for PCOS) and I still have to eat less than 20g carb a day, the only change I see if I don’t take it for a few days is that my morning fasting reading rises by a couple of points. It also for some people has some nasty debilitating side effects, I don’t have those side effects thankfully
Newrugbyfan
Member
I am currently on NovoMix 30 jabs twice a day and it is literally a pain when everything is under control and I have no symptoms of either high or low glucose.
Are you planning to stop your insulin because it’s a pain & try to replace it with the metformin? Metformin cannot replace your insulin, it works in a completely different way, the insulin is the reason that everything is under control. I would strongly advise you not to mess with your medication without the input of your HCP. It could have dangerous consequences for you.
What do you mean by having no symptoms? Do you mean hypos & hypers or things like neuropathy, fatty liver, eye problems etc. if you mean the hypos & hypers this is because your insulin regime is very suitable in regards to your “diet”
If you want to eventually come of the insulin with the support of your HCP then as a T2 maybe could look at doing a low carb or keto diet if you don’t already? but this will take time and full support from your GP to help you reduce your meds safely over time.
Your about info says you are on oral tablets - it would be helpful for members to see your correct medication so that they can better & safely answer your questions and advise you. The replies are very different for someone on insulin than oral tablets.
You can do this by clicking on your name in the top right hand corner and choosing account details - you will see a number of drop down boxes and you will be able to change “treatment type” from tablets to insulin
Newrugbyfan
Member
When I state no symptoms I mean NO SYMPTOMS. No headaches, stomach problems, sleep, nerve or eyesight issues. If I did not have the Freestyle sensor I would not know what the glucose levels were doing.
@Newrugbyfan , Metformin does not replace insulin. Neither does it lower blood sugars. It works by suppressing glucose production in the liver. The liver’s production of glucose is called gluconogenisus.
One of the components in Type 2 diabetes is the over production of glucose by the liver, a contributing factor in T2DM. Metformin works by activating the enzyme AMP, this enzyme is sometimes called the ‘metabolic master switch’. So Metformin activates this enzyme inhibiting gluconogenisus thereby stopping the dumping of glucose by the liver into the blood stream. So a completely different action to insulin therapy. Insulin therapy is used when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
Insulin dependant Type 1 diabetics can also be offered Metformin as it increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin thereby allowing for the reduction of insulin usage. Metformin does not replace insulin, the two prescriptions are completely different . One does not replace the other.
Ed for a typo.
One of the components in Type 2 diabetes is the over production of glucose by the liver, a contributing factor in T2DM. Metformin works by activating the enzyme AMP, this enzyme is sometimes called the ‘metabolic master switch’. So Metformin activates this enzyme inhibiting gluconogenisus thereby stopping the dumping of glucose by the liver into the blood stream. So a completely different action to insulin therapy. Insulin therapy is used when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
Insulin dependant Type 1 diabetics can also be offered Metformin as it increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin thereby allowing for the reduction of insulin usage. Metformin does not replace insulin, the two prescriptions are completely different . One does not replace the other.
Ed for a typo.
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Newrugbyfan
Member
On top of that my health care "team" are rubbish. Little guidance and advice, just do as you are told.
Newrugbyfan
Member
I know it works differently but I don't think I need insulin. I have never been offered an alternative. My 3 month blood tests are also very good, HbA1c level 6.1.
Why do you think you don’t need insulin? Your HbA1c at 6.1 is good but still in the pre diabetic range, and once again I say that this good control is probably because of the insulin.
What was your HbA1c on diagnosis? Was it very high, was that the reason you were started on insulin right away? Just trying to get a bigger picture
The HbA1c test, also known as the haemoglobin A1c or glycated haemoglobin test, is an important blood test that gives a good indication of how well your diabetes is being controlled.
The HbA1c test is an important blood test that gives a good indication of how well your diabetes is being controlled.
www.diabetes.co.uk
I am not being contradictory, just trying to help you and keep you safe and like I suggested further up the thread you could with the help of your HC team reduce your carbs & meds, but going it alone is dangerous. If you could share what type of things you eat then maybe we could share our experiences on reducing your carbs & see if you do have some wriggle room to do that but again not without input from your GP/HCP
My dad was on same insulin regime as you and I know he had to have a set amount of carbs with his meals so I’m putting a big caveat on suggesting you reduce your carbs you really need to do this with medical input
To return to your original question, @Newrugbyfan,
We are not able to tell you what the tablets you have purchased without a prescription, from India, and without your doctor being aware of your intention. I would be very wary of them being either genuine meds, safe or authentic. They could contain any substance, and could make you very ill. It appears you could have been conned, and wasted your money.
If it were my choice I would dispose of the tablets, in the correct manner for where you are living. (Here it would be to take them to a pharmacy for disposal). Then learn from the experience that not all is as it seems. Also, get medical advice regarding your desire to come off insulin.
We are not able to tell you what the tablets you have purchased without a prescription, from India, and without your doctor being aware of your intention. I would be very wary of them being either genuine meds, safe or authentic. They could contain any substance, and could make you very ill. It appears you could have been conned, and wasted your money.
If it were my choice I would dispose of the tablets, in the correct manner for where you are living. (Here it would be to take them to a pharmacy for disposal). Then learn from the experience that not all is as it seems. Also, get medical advice regarding your desire to come off insulin.
Newrugbyfan
Member
The Hba1c test was 6.9 on my first blood test after I was diagnosed I was in hospital for 1 week 2 years ago when I had an hyper event brought on in part by a urines infection. I was put on insulin in hospital and although it settled down within 3 or 4 days they have never changed the regime.Why do you think you don’t need insulin? Your HbA1c at 6.1 is good but still in the pre diabetic range, and once again I say that this good control is probably because of the insulin.
What was your HbA1c on diagnosis? Was it very high, was that the reason you were started on insulin right away? Just trying to get a bigger picture
The HbA1c test, also known as the haemoglobin A1c or glycated haemoglobin test, is an important blood test that gives a good indication of how well your diabetes is being controlled.
The HbA1c test is an important blood test that gives a good indication of how well your diabetes is being controlled.
I am not being contradictory, just trying to help you and keep you safe and like I suggested further up the thread you could with the help of your HC team reduce your carbs & meds, but going it alone is dangerous. If you could share what type of things you eat then maybe we could share our experiences on reducing your carbs & see if you do have some wriggle room to do that but again not without input from your GP/HCP
My dad was on same insulin regime as you and I know he had to have a set amount of carbs with his meals so I’m putting a big caveat on suggesting you reduce your carbs you really need to do this with medical input
Lakeslover
Well-Known Member
To be honest it is likely that if you didn’t need all the extra insulin you are injecting your blood sugars would be going low and you would have symptoms of hypoglycaemia. If your blood sugars are steady with the insulin stopping it is likely to lead to high blood sugars with all the complications that can cause. In a nutshell it’s the insulin that is preventing complications.
as others have said Metformin does not replace insulin. there are other drugs which can help reduce blood sugar but it would require close monitors by a professional to switch from one to the other.
as others have said Metformin does not replace insulin. there are other drugs which can help reduce blood sugar but it would require close monitors by a professional to switch from one to the other.
Newrugbyfan
Member
I have used the online pharmacy before for buying other meds which are expensive in France, with no problems. The Metfor brand is searchable on line and the manufacturer is a 3 billion turnover company making hundreds of generic meds in India. So I have no concerns that it is Metformin. I was just trying to establish if it is immediate effect or extended.
