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Do i need metformin?

Ian2477

Ian2477

Member
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Last Saturday I went to my pharmacist and my blood glucose was 21.4.I was then diagnosed with diabetes type 2 on the Monday with a diabetic score of 86.My doctor prescribed me slow release metformin tablets.But since the diagnosis I have radically changed by diet and lifestyle(lots of veg,salad,fish,cut out carbs,Apple cider viniger water instead of cola and running).I took my fist metformin tablet on Thursday night.For curiosity I went down to the pharmacist for another blood glucose test on the next morning and amazingly it was 7.4.A big drop from 21.4!The pharmacist asked me what I had been doing to get it so low,so I told her the changes I had made.I did say I had started the metformin the night before but she said that wouldn't be the reason for such a drop in blood sugar as it doesn't work so quick.Is she right?
 
Yeah I would say she’s right. Diet is far more powerful a treatment than Metformin. I can’t see a scenario where Metformin alone would bring about such large reductions. Ever, let alone in just a few days.

No one here can really answer your titular question, though. That’s between you and your doctor. I would continue with what you’re doing, and would continue with the Metformin so long as you can tolerate it. In due course you can discuss changes with your doctor, but I would think they’ll at the very least encourage you to continue as you are for a minimum of three months before making any decisions to reduce or stop medication.
 
Yes, she is right. Metformin is a cumulative drug that is quite mild and it does not make huge differences in blood glucose levels rather it works in the background to aid Insulin Resistance.
It is completely up to you whether to continue taking the meds or not, we cannot advise on dosages or discontinuance so you would have to speak with your nurse or GP about that.

Good work on your progress, keep it up.
 
Hi Ian, your pharmacist is right Metformin takes a while to build up in your system so the drop in blood sugar reading will be mainly due to your change in diet. Whether you continue with Metformin is ultimately up to you but it would be good to inform your health care team and explain you want to try diet and exercise only. Personally I started on Metformin straight away and tolerate it well, so even though I have had non diabetic numbers for a while now I continue on it for it’s added benefits. Weight loss being one of them. Here’s some additional info on it:
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2001/9/report_metformin/Page-01
 
Yeah, your dietary changes are responsible for that change in numbers, and the exercise. You want to see that continue, so I'd continue with what you are doing if in your shoes. You know, do what works. Let your doctor or whomever know what you are doing. Hopefully they will be supportive.
 
Have you ordered a glucose monitor to use at home? If not, do it soon, it's a great piece of kit.
 
I agree with all the previous posts. Metformin didn't do a great deal for me and I got much more significant changes with diet and exercise. Your drop in BS is dramatic and I am fairly certain your doctor will ask what happened. If he is anti low carb you could end up at odds with him or if he is out to lunch he may claim the credit and prescribe more Metformin. Just break it to him gently and smile while doing it.
 
Yes, I agree with all the others. Metformin doesn't work that way, even after a long time taking it. It helps to a limited extent with insulin resistance and is an appetite suppressant. It is your radical change in lifestyle that is doing it. Diet is the key.

I also agree you need to buy your own blood glucose meter and plenty of test strips so you can see instantly what each meal is doing to your levels by testing before you eat and again 2 hours after first bite. The morning fasting blood glucose is notoriously unpredictable. Much better to keep an eye on your pre and post meal levels, at least initially.
 
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