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Gliclazide Problem

K

KathrynB

Well-Known Member
Messages
56
Location
NW England
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello all, I was wondering if someone can tell me how much, on average, metformin reduces the BG by? I have been on 3 grams of metformin a day, split into 3 doses, since 10 years ago. I also take 40 mg gliclazide in the mornings. I have lost half a stone over the last 6 weeks or so by eating less and walking more and as a result (I think) I have had a few scary hypo episodes. Before I can get to see the doc, I have not taken the gliclazide today and testing after breakfast and lunch (2 hrs after) levels were 5.4 and 5.6. I'm happy on metformin and have no side effects but I would like to discontinue the gliclazide. I eat LCHF and my last HbA1c was 42. Is metformin likely to be enough on its own?
 
I have seen figures quoted of 1.0 to 2.0 reduction of A1c on Metformin so not as great an impact as some other Diabetes drugs but it isn't specifically prescribed to lower bg but to help with excess liver dump and insulin resistance among other things.
 
Thanks I thought it wasn't going to lower it too much. I think it must be adequate for me and the gliclazide not the right med for me
 
You need to speak to your GP about the dosage as glicizide lowers blood glucose levels and can induce Hypoglycaemia.
The readings you gave are in normal levels range. Also if you are low carb, the need to consult your doctor is necessary.
Good work on the weight loss and readings.

Metformin lowers blood glucose levels very slowly over time, it protects your organ function health. If you can tolerate the drug it can be beneficial.
 
Lamont D said:
You need to speak to your GP about the dosage as glicizide lowers blood glucose levels and can induce Hypoglycaemia.
The readings you gave are in normal levels range. Also if you are low carb, the need to consult your doctor is necessary.
Good work on the weight loss and readings.

Metformin lowers blood glucose levels very slowly over time, it protects your organ function health. If you can tolerate the drug it can be beneficial.
Click to expand...
Yes I can tolerate Metformin with no problems so am happy to take it. The gliclazide was causing my hypos so I don't think it's a good idea to continue with it especially as I was having to eat carbs to get my levels back up! I will be seeing my doc soon but for now I'm stopping the gliclazide and testing often
 
An update to my earlier post- I contacted my DN to explain about my hypos and she told me to stop the gliclazide and rely on the metformin. Yesterday and today my readings have been great, for example my BG before dinner was 4.9 and 2 hrs later it was 5.4. I am finding it hard to believe that my half stone weight loss is the cause, it seems too good to be true. I have worked hard with the LCHF, weight loss and increase in exercise though. I am happy to stay on metformin as I'm lucky that I don't get the nasty side effects.
 
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