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Alternative to Metformin

M

Mamalaine

Member
Messages
5
Location
Uk
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi , I’ve not posted before but I was taking Metformin but had a problem with it so had to stop taking them I did manage to practically reverse my type 2 with weight loss but have put a bit back on during the pandemic, the nurse wants me to go back on some form of medication but what is the next best thing to Metformin
 
My opinion:

Not a question that has a simple answer. The NHS will have a pathway as to the drugs... As it's all based on cost, relative impacts etc. Metformin tends to be one of the first as it has minor impact (usually) but what is next could be from a wide range, plus postcode may well have an impact as to what they prescribe due to costs, local authorities etc... There are also guidance on what is available depending on your BMI, hba1c etc that limits what you can have

Don't get me wrong, you can sometimes influence but it's such a broad question And The other aspect is everyone is unique, how you tolerate drugs will differ and there are interactions with other drugs you may be on, your lifestyle. Your nurse will have more of this info

This is a conversation I'd suggest with your nurse, find out what is being suggested and then research on what that is.

What I would say, is that dietary changes are a well known alternative. Definitely worth investigating as can lead to no drugs needed at all
 
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I too had problems with Metformin and the Doctor changed my medication to Prandin also known as Repaglinide.
Since then I have improved control and no known side effects.
I wish you good luck for the future as Im sure you will find something that suits you personally.
 
I'm also taking Prandin now. Honestly, I like it even more than Metformin!
 
Is there any diabetes medication that does not have diarrhea as a side effect? I already suffered from loose bowel movements before being diagnosed metformin. Now I'm scared every time I break wind.
 
jeffusher said:
Is there any diabetes medication that does not have diarrhea as a side effect? I already suffered from loose bowel movements before being diagnosed metformin. Now I'm scared every time I break wind.
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You shouldn't suffer. Speak to your team. Are you in slow release? How long on Metformin? Yes there are alternatives but have different effects but not everyone can tolerate Metformin
 
jeffusher said:
Is there any diabetes medication that does not have diarrhea as a side effect? I already suffered from loose bowel movements before being diagnosed metformin. Now I'm scared every time I break wind.
Click to expand...
Hi. Do ask for the Slow Release version (SR or XR) which is much kinder. In answer to the original Poster, there isn't an equivalent to metformin although there are various other diabetes tablets which may be relevant depending on whether you have excess weight or not. As others have said, a low-carb diet is always the best start point for T2.
 
xfieldok said:
Keto is the best medicine.
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Defo agree with this sentiment. Eric Westman says he prescribes Keto (>20 grams of carbs per day), to ensure success, so that those he works with do not say "it doesn't work"; he has refined his view with his latest book "End your carb confusion" to customise the carb amount to the persons metabolism. I agree with this post and Eric in that if an alternative to Metformin is required then Keto is an improvement.

Other options are a 10 minute walk after each meal, exercise in general, berberine and boabab - none of these bar physical activity supported by the NHS as a disclaimer. "Best" is also definable. So best for a sedentary person who wants to eat like everyone else could be Metformin, for someone with Kidney issues, Metformin is a disaster zone. I used to get anxious with my travels abroad if I thought I might run out of tablets, so this was not best for me. Education is key, Metformin can help with fat loss, is well tested, but does have side effects and creates a reliance.
 
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