Reactions to metformin

GrannyGill54

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I’ve joined the forum so I can help my husband with his type 2 diabetes (it’s not something he would actually think of doing). Hope this is OK. It is a condition that affects us both so I am hoping to get knowledge and advice that will help us moving forward and take control of it and enjoy a better life than we are at present. Reactions to the metformin affect his bowel movements which severely restrict us getting out and about. This is being monitored by the nurse at the moment so hopefully things will eventually improve. It just seems like at the moment I can’t see that light at the end of the tunnel. Anybody else here been in this situation?
 

Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
I’ve joined the forum so I can help my husband with his type 2 diabetes (it’s not something he would actually think of doing). Hope this is OK. It is a condition that affects us both so I am hoping to get knowledge and advice that will help us moving forward and take control of it and enjoy a better life than we are at present. Reactions to the metformin affect his bowel movements which severely restrict us getting out and about. This is being monitored by the nurse at the moment so hopefully things will eventually improve. It just seems like at the moment I can’t see that light at the end of the tunnel. Anybody else here been in this situation?

Hello and welcome,

Bowel issues are very common with Metformin. Many people can't tolerate it. What has the nurse had to say? There is a slow release version that is supposed to be kinder on the tummy. Has she changed him to that?

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We will all do our very best to help. Meanwhile, I'm tagging @daisy1 who has some very useful and important information for new comers.
 
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JoKalsbeek

Expert
Messages
5,937
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
After living in the loo for weeks I finally saw someone who said metformin obviously wasn't for me. At that point we didn't have the slow release kind in the Netherlands. Think it's available this year sometime tho. It was enough to make me decide I wanted to use as little drugs as possible. Gliclazide was okay, but still... So I read a lot, figured out what diabetes is and what could help... Ended up on a low carb diet that got me off the gliclazide, and the statins I was on. My HbA1c is now in the non-diabetic range at 38 and dropping. It's a big lifestyle change, and you feel crummy for a week as your body adjusts, but it's nothing compared to that metformin hell...! For now keep him hydrated, fluids, salt, the works. And have a read around here and se what might work for your husband. There's a whole section dedicated to succes stories; people going into remission through various methods. And as a spouse, you're as welcome as a type 1, 2 or other would be; any questions, just ask. These people here know what they're talking about. :)
 
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GrannyGill54

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello and welcome,

Bowel issues are very common with Metformin. Many people can't tolerate it. What has the nurse had to say? There is a slow release version that is supposed to be kinder on the tummy. Has she changed him to that?

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We will all do our very best to help. Meanwhile, I'm tagging @daisy1 who has some very useful and important information for new comers.
Thanks for your reply. It’s good to know I’m not alone. He is already on the slow release metformin so for now we’re in the hands of the diabetic nurse who with monitoring will be able to tell us the next steps we need to take. PS I’m new to forum membership so tagging etc is still a mystery!
 

GrannyGill54

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
After living in the loo for weeks I finally saw someone who said metformin obviously wasn't for me. At that point we didn't have the slow release kind in the Netherlands. Think it's available this year sometime tho. It was enough to make me decide I wanted to use as little drugs as possible. Gliclazide was okay, but still... So I read a lot, figured out what diabetes is and what could help... Ended up on a low carb diet that got me off the gliclazide, and the statins I was on. My HbA1c is now in the non-diabetic range at 38 and dropping. It's a big lifestyle change, and you feel crummy for a week as your body adjusts, but it's nothing compared to that metformin hell...! For now keep him hydrated, fluids, salt, the works. And have a read around here and se what might work for your husband. There's a whole section dedicated to succes stories; people going into remission through various methods. And as a spouse, you're as welcome as a type 1, 2 or other would be; any questions, just ask. These people here know what they're talking about. :)
Thanks for your reply. Will digest all you say later. It seems this site is going to give me some good information and advice.
 
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JoKalsbeek

Expert
Messages
5,937
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Not just good, but overwhelming amounts of it. Take it in slowly, it gets a bit much when just starting out. ;)
 

Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
Thanks for your reply. It’s good to know I’m not alone. He is already on the slow release metformin so for now we’re in the hands of the diabetic nurse who with monitoring will be able to tell us the next steps we need to take. PS I’m new to forum membership so tagging etc is still a mystery!

If the quality of your lives is being badly affected, something needs to be done. What dosage is he on? What are his blood sugar levels like? Does he 100% need Metformin? It is a mild diabetes drug that quite honestly only helps to a limited extent. Are the side effects outweighing the benefits in his case? Maybe you should make an appointment with a GP rather than the nurse and discuss it all with him/her. I think that is what I would do. If his blood sugars aren't too bad, could you consider a diet only approach? If they are high, maybe a different medication?

Diet is the key to control, and that means reducing carbohydrate. The role of carbs is ultra important because they all turn to glucose once eaten. All of them. Do read round all the forums to see how others manage, and ask questions.

Tags are simply alerts sent automatically to the person tagged to read the thread and comment.
 
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statler

Active Member
Messages
33
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
salad
Just something to bare in mind. I’ve recently had my slow release metformin changed to Sukarrto ? Metformin, this has a different coating on the tablet which had the same effect as drinking directly from the streams in new deli , which I only found out via google. Sometimes very small changes really can cause havoc
 

daisy1

Legend
Messages
26,457
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Cruelty towards animals.
@GrannyGill54

Hello GrannyGill and welcome to the Forum to you and your husband. Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it interesting and useful. Ask as many questions as you need to and someone will be able to help.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 235,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. Most of these are free.

  • Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why

  • Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
 
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Resurgam

Expert
Messages
9,849
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
The only thing Metformin gave me - besides five weeks of misery, is a determination not to be in a position where I can't argue against taking it.
By eating a low carb diet I can remain in the normal regions for blood glucose whenever I test and my Hba1c went down to normal months ago now. There are many others on the forum who have done the same thing - some can eat more carbs, some need to go very low, but it is very effective for most who try it.
 
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GrannyGill54

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Just something to bare in mind. I’ve recently had my slow release metformin changed to Sukarrto ? Metformin, this has a different coating on the tablet which had the same effect as drinking directly from the streams in new deli , which I only found out via google. Sometimes very small changes really can cause havoc
Yes it is Sukkarto he is taking. At one point he was taking 3 per day and it has been reduced to 2 pending further monitoring.
 

h884

Well-Known Member
Messages
385
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
I empathise. I was unable metformin or the SR version. Keep in regular contact with your nurse and doctor emphasising the effects the drug I said having on your husband.

Hope things improve soon
 
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statler

Active Member
Messages
33
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
salad
Yes it is Sukkarto he is taking. At one point he was taking 3 per day and it has been reduced to 2 pending further monitoring.

I just rang my surgery up explained the problem and was given a prescription for my old tablets. Hey presto back to normal the day after stopping sukkarto