Metformin.

[LittleG]

Hi All,
I was wondering how long does it take before I will see results from taking Metfomin? I started on 500mg with breakfast for this first week then twice a day from next Monday.
I was diagnosed Type 2 5 weeks or so ago and had my first appointment with my diabetes nurse on Monday. I haven't had any sweet stuff at all since diagnosis ( although I only had the odd sweet treat, my problem is carbs) and have cut carbs, had no bread, little pasta, some rice, very small portions. I bought a BG meter and some tasty running shoes. I have been doing at the very least 30 minutes of cardio vascular exercise a day, had a couple of Saturdays off, lazy. I noticed a big spike after I had a couple of handfuls of crisps so know that is a danger area. My first blood test read as 17. something or 86 thingys. I averaged 14 over the last few weeks ( before meds) but never been below 11 on my meter.
Thanks in advance guys.

 

[Squire Fulwood]

I don't like to be pessimistic but Metformin may not have as much effect as you are looking for. It is not a powerful drug. You may find that the greater effect comes from your diet and exercise. Still, keep taking the tablets since every little helps.

 

[LittleG]

I am not looking for a miracle cure from Metformin, in fact I would prefer to do this drug free but my diagnosis reading was so high my DN advised me to take Metformin to begin with to help initially. I was pleased with my progress in the weeks before I was prescribed it. I just wondered how long it would be before I noticed a difference. If at all. It could be that the changes I have made myself could have progressed in a positive way without the Metformin.

 

[Squire Fulwood]

Not everyone has the same result but in my case I never noticed any effect from taking Metformin. I didn't mention that since I didn't want to discourage you but now you say you would prefer to be drug free ...... I have been told also that there are benefits "down the line" from taking it but that is too vague for me to persevere. They were finally stopped as being "ineffective".

 

[RoseofSharon]

Sorry For a pessimistic post here but will put my two cents in. I have only been on metformin since December so may not be the best person to speak. First it had to be changed onto the slow release version as I couldn't tolerate the normal version. Numbers wise I am unconvinced that metformin does anything at all, I find that cutting the carbs/ finding which carbs my body can tolerate and how much is a much better way of dealing with the high results.


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[Liam1955]

@LittleG - Hello. . Metformin takes time to build up in your system and you might begin to see a slight effect. But, it can take a couple of months to reach it's full effect - please be patient and allow it to work. Diet and Exercise will have more effect on lowering blood sugar.

 

[Grungysquash]

As others have already said - remove carbs - exit as much sugar as u can and begin some exercise. Even walking will help, also your numbers are in the unhealthy region you need to target below 10, as a starting point.

It's early days but you must get your BG down your numbers are still to high, it took me about 4 weeks to get below 10 regularly, I'm now rarely over 7 - Meatiform is going to help but it's not a cure.

 

[Roy_Thwaites]

It's the good stuff that we like to give up, only to loose energy. It's a paradox