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Type 2 How long

Discussion in 'Ask A Question' started by Oggykev, Oct 1, 2020.

  1. Oggykev

    Oggykev Type 2 · Member

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    How long before metformin starts to work bloods going up again
     
    #1 Oggykev, Oct 1, 2020 at 7:06 PM
  2. Goonergal

    Goonergal Type 2 · Moderator
    Staff Member

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    Hi @Oggykev

    As I understand it metformin alone doesn’t do a lot to actively/directly decrease blood sugar levels. Rather it can support dietary changes by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

    To get the full benefits you’ll need to ensure that you’re eating foods which are low in carbohydrates.

    Have a look at the low carb section of this forum, or check out dietdoctor.com
     
    • Agree Agree x 7
    #2 Goonergal, Oct 1, 2020 at 7:20 PM
  3. kaylz91

    kaylz91 Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    It doesn't really make yout blood sugar come down, it stimulates so you release insulin, are you eating a lot of carbohydrates?
     
    #3 kaylz91, Oct 1, 2020 at 7:20 PM
  4. EllieM

    EllieM Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    I thought metformin decreased the amount of sugar produced by the liver rather than increasing the amount of insulin produced by the body, plus it's supposed to help with weight loss slightly. Anyway, you're right about the carbs:)

    Having said all that, it does make a difference, and is enough for many people, particularly if they also reduce carbs (most important) and exercise more (will also help but really it's all about the carbs).

    @Oggykev
    If you've reduced the carbs and your levels are still going up there's always the possibility that you are a misdiagnosed T1/LADA (ie your body is not insulin resistant but is in fact gradually ceasing to produce insulin at all). Though LADA is much rarer than T2, many LADAs are initially misdiagnosed as T2, and reducing carb intake can keep their blood sugar levels in line for a long time (because reducing carbs reduces their insulin needs to the level their bodies can cope with).
     
    #4 EllieM, Oct 1, 2020 at 9:04 PM
  5. sgm14

    sgm14 · Active Member

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    I suspect that everyone will be different, but it took me about four weeks before my blood sugar readings were mostly in range.
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
    #5 sgm14, Oct 2, 2020 at 8:23 AM
  6. Brunneria

    Brunneria Other · Moderator
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    Some T2 diabetic drugs stimulate increased insulin production, but Metformin isn’t one of them.

    Metformin’s action is as @Goonergal described. There is a resulting lowering of HbA1c, which (according to meta studies) reduces by an average of 1.1% or approx 11mmol/mol (but of course that varies hugely depending on the person, the dose, and their food choices.

    Food choices have a far bigger impact on bg for type 2s than Metformin.
     
    #6 Brunneria, Oct 2, 2020 at 9:31 AM
  7. Daibell

    Daibell LADA · Master

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    I agree with @EllieM that Metformin's main action is to reduce the liver's glucose (glycogen) output. It never has that much effect so don't rely on it helping much. Do follow the low-carb route and if you are slim and the BS keeps going up ask for the two T1 tests
     
    #7 Daibell, Oct 2, 2020 at 11:12 AM
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