Increased HbA1c levels

If you are worried about the metformin increase and you are having liver issues (met works directly on the liver) then I would go and have a very long chat with the doctor.

However, I would say that increasing your met is unlikely to bring your levels back down from 59 to 48 or lower. It is probably time to look at the diet you are eating and to make a few small adjustments.

georig said:

Hi I have just received the results of my latest blood test and I have been told by my GP to increase my Metfroming from 1000mg to 2000mg per day.
My levels have increased from 48 to 59. This is a worry to me because this is the first time in nearly 4 years since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes it has increased.
When I first was put on Metformin I had severe stomach problems and I am obviously concerned this will start again. I have read that a slow release Metformin might help and would appreciate if anyone with similar experiences could advise.
I am also undrgoing investigations for my liver at the moment and am suffering severe nausea and stomach problems, again why I am very wary of doubling my Metformin.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

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I agree with Andrew, this needs a long conversation with your doctor, and depending on what the investigations find, a specialist or two might be better placed to advise you than a GP.

If the side effects of metformin are unbearable, then your doctor should find an alternative drug. It doesn't make sense to keep taking a drug that is probably causing severe symptoms.

I have had severe nausea and stomach problems, so I can empathise. I encourage you to ask for medications to ease these symptoms. I have tried most anti-nausea drugs and found Ondansetron to be excellent. If you have reflux, then Omeprazole, Ranitidine and Gaviscon may help. Domperidone is also good but as I understand it, it's no longer possible to get it in the UK because of heart and movement disorder risks.

I hope the doctors are getting these investigations done as quickly as possible.

When I changed to slow release metformin my dose actually went down from 3x500mg a day to 2x500mg; this hasn't made any apparent difference to my glucose levels. The biggest impact on those figure comes from what I eat - I've chosen to eat a very low carb higher fat diet, and the more carby food I eat the higher levels I generally get. So as Andrew's suggested - maybe time to review your diet?

Robbity