Can Metformin be taken on PRN basis

[booberoosh]

Hi - I'm new to Diabetes and new to the forum - I was diagnosed a few months ago and straight away titrated up to top dose of metformin 2000mg daily. I already ate well and did plenty of exercise but realised there was some scope to improve which I did. The metformin made me feel strange and so I cut the dose by half whilst continuing to watch my diet strictly and exercise more than ever. My blood sugar levels came right down to acceptable levels even for someone without diabetes. I have now found that my blood levels stay well within normal range without any medication. Having said that - they have shot up when I've relaxed my concentration on what I eat but in general I feel I can keep them down without medication. As my question asks - can I therefore just take it on an as a when required basis or should I just take it? My opinion is that I shouldn't have to if I don't need to. They wanted to put me on Statins and Blood Pressure medication the moment I was diagnosed and even the Doctor stated that it isn't because you need it - it's just in case.

I'm a bit perplexed - (I know I should go back and speak to the doctor but just wondered if anyone else has experienced this.

Thanks for any feedback

Robert

 

[AndBreathe]

I'm not and never have been on Metformin, so have no,direct experience to share, but I believe Metformin takes several days to reach peak efficacy, so pro re nata could be tricky.

What levels are you achieving, over what period, as a matter of interest?

 

[Steve 10]

I was wondering about the PRN possibilities with metformin, but it does take time to work. I used to take metformin and came off it because it upset my digestive system badly and got the balance wrong. I've been controlling the diabetes with the diet only for over a year now, I have never been offered any alternatives by my local surgery,who seem to have left me to get on with it. It seems work for the most part,but occasionally the sugars go high . Maybe there is a magic tablet out there, but I don't think metformin's the solution .