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Just diagnosed and prescribed metformin

H

hncwills

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Hi all,

I am 33 and just found out last week I have Diabetes Type 2 and the doctor prescribed me modified-release metformin. I also have high blood pressure and I have been taking tablets for that for 4 weeks now. I am overweight (BMI 40) and started Slimming World 2 weeks ago to get healthier and hopefully reverse the diabetes. I've been taking Metformin for 5 days now but since yesterday have been shaking all over, uncontrollably. I have tried eating something sweet which didn't seem to change it, and I was still shaking this morning when I woke up, so it doesn't seem to be related to blood-sugar levels? Has anyone else had this, or suggestions as to the cause (and ideally a solution!) I don't feel unwell but it is annoying, and I don't like to be 'jerking around' while I'm at work!

Thanks

Helen
 
What were your BG levels on diagnosis? Without knowing it is difficult to comment. It might be a good idea to get yourself a blood glucose meter and start testing your own levels. Are you modifying your diet? Try cutting down on potatoes, bread, pasta, white rice and all sweet foods. Also fruit juices and fizzy drinks.

Keep posting on here and you will get lots of help, advice and encouragement.


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Thanks for your reply - my gp didn't tell me what my blood glucose levels were, just that I have diabetes.

Thanks for your advice.
 
Ask them, ring the receptionist and find out, get a meter and strips. Unfortunately the docs wont prescribe. Others will be along soon to advise. I'm assuming you were given an appointment to see the nurse and dietician and to get your eyes seen to?
 
Best tool to help control your condition is a blood glucose monitor, even if your doctor disagrees. The codefree meter on Amazon seems to be the cheapest for test strips.

If you want to post a typical days meals, we can see if there is anything that might be adversely affecting your BG levels.
 
Hi. It's unusual to have the 'shakes' with Metformin SR. It's possible your blood sugar might be a bit low but Metformin doesn't normally affect blood sugar measurably; it helps reduce insulin resistance and a few other ways. Do get a meter as others have suggested. Good to see you are trying to reduce your weight. Be aware that Slimming World has a more general approach to dieting whereas diabetics need to be very careful with carbs, so do set yourself some sort of daily carb max level e.g. 200gm/day max and possibly less. Protein, veg and fats are not a problem so bear that in mind
 
Thanks all for your advice. I will find out what's going on with my BG. I was a bit stunned in my appointment with the GP so didn't really think what I should be asking. I saw the nurse before diagnosis regarding diet, hence the Slimming World referral and I have advised my SW consultant I have diabetes now so am taking the advice re carbs. I wasn't advised to see anyone else regarding diabetes, just to see the GP again in 6 weeks. Seems like I have a lot to learn...

I have a nurse appointment for blood tests in the morning so will ask about the rest then.
 
are you eating properly? everyone is scared for the first week and it takes a month to get your head around it
ask/phone your Dr, but if you are eating properly with the metformin, the shaking sounds like a false hypo. I found the metformin took 3 weeks to kick in

the easy thing for a start and to keep it simple is to cut the grain and grain product, sugar and potato, eat as much as you want to of everything else
http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf

and if the cravings get you
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbliving/a/Food-Cravings.htm
 
Hi Helen,

I just went on Metformin extended release last week. At first I would get a bit dizzy/spacey, almost like a drunk feeling, and a bit queasy. I read somewhere (probably on this forum) to make sure you take enough food with it (not just a snack), but a proper meal with protein, fat and a bit (small bit!!) of carbs, and PLENTY of water, both before and after you take the pill. I wait until I am about 2/3 finished my meal and drink about 8 oz of water, take the pill, drink another 8oz and finish my meal. Just the way I do it, but it really works for me. I've not had that horrible feeling since.
 
Hi Hcnwills, I was diagnosed around 10 weeks ago. It's all a haze at the start, what to do, what to eat, how will I manage! But you do, don't let it get you down, be assertive and take control. The first thing to do is get a meter and test your blood glucose. You must record this along with everything you eat. Yes it's a burden and it takes time, but it's so important to understand what foods spike your bg. I use apps on my phone or tablet to do this. They are also on my wife's phone and tablet so she can keep an eye on me as I work away a lot. These are my fitness pal for the food, and diabetes connect for the bg. Like your self I'm overweight with similar bmi, since diagnosis I've managed to loose 16kgs,my Hba1c has dropped from 103 to 54 so it's not a hindrance to beat you.. I have difficulty because I work away most of the time, hotels at night and factories during the day. This is why I have taken bg testing to heart, against my doctors wishes (apparently it's only type 2 so don't worry). My bg was 39.1 at diagnosis and I still get the shakes on metformin sr1000mg at 4.5mmol. Ive now got lots more energy and can now exercise and swim. The other thing as many have said is dramatically reduce your carb intake this will help reduce your bg and reduce your hunger.
Keep smiling, keep asking questions and listen to your body, you will soon start to understand how you feel.
 
Do not do green days with slimming world!!!

In fact, save your money and stock up on low carb cook books - probably money better spent from my experience of slimming groups!

Knowing what I know now, I can't believe green days are so popular!!

Best of luck x


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Hi, Welcome :)

If your bg was very high and you are addressing it now you could be experiencing false hypos, your body may be used to high sugar and misinterpreting your more normal levels as low sugar, if this is the case, it will pass soon, dont eat sweet food to compensate for anything ever unless your on hypo inducing medication which metformin is not, all your doing by eating sweet is feeding your problem, if it was low blood sugar and you were in fact experiencing a hypo a couple of jelly beans would be more than enough, although the thought of "oh my sugars are low id better eat 3 mars bars" is a nice idea,

this is all just my un medically trained opinion

edit SW sucks
 
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