Kidney problems and Metformin x3 causing hypos...

[pinkiepunksmummy]

Hi, I have an appointment with Diabetes GP next week, but need advise on what questions to ask him...
I was on Metformin x2 and my sugars had settled around 7-8, GP wanted me to try Metformin x3 to bring them down lower, great....but my sugars were very low, down to 2.1 and I was having trouble getting them up and then keeping them up to the normal range. GP said go back to Metformin x2 and have another HbA1c done in a few weeks then go back for the results (also started taking Simvastatin for slightly high cholesterol so needed to give them a chance to kick in before getting blood test done). So, I've had the test and a letter asking me to book appointment to discuss. Since coming off the third Metformin, I have had real trouble trying to regain control....I've had some real highs 17 & 19, some as low as 5, but mostly around 11-13. I haven't changed my diet, so why has this happened? Would one of the Metformin alternatives work better for me?

And, with regards to kidney problems, GP has told me my kidneys and liver are struggling with the diabetes. I was referred for an ultrasound. But, whilst waiting for this I have been ill and had a severe kidney infection and suspected kidney stones...for this I had a CT scan which was normal (I think I had passed the stone before the scan) and was told all seemed normal. Roll on a couple of weeks and I have had the ultrasound scan (the lady told me she could not see any abnormalities) and had a letter asking me to see GP for results. So, if all is normal with kidneys, why have I still got protein in my urine and sporadic kidney pain? What is the next step? Is this kidney damage?

Are these questions ok? Is there anything else I need to ask?
Thanks, Pinkie.

 

[Andy12345]

Hi, i dont think metformin can cause such dramatic lows or the lack of cause such dramatic highs but this will hopefully bump your post up so someone who knows will see it, good luck

 

[whompa73]

The only way yo find out about kidneys is to have tests. As for the metformin and bgs I think I would be questioning diagnosis and wether or not its my Pancras kicking in and working and then shutting down and not . Unless you are truly abusing yourself diet wise by either starving and then binging. Then there surly must be somthingbelse going on. Pls let us know what happens

 

[Thommothebear]

Did they warn you to avoid grapefruit and oranges in conjunction with the simvastatin. Although it's rare there have been cases where a reaction to certain statins have caused muscle damage which can result in kidney issues and protein in the urine. I'm not sure whether this would raise bg levels but I suspect it might. I had some issues with simvastatin but changing to atorvastatin fixed that.


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[Etty]

You could try stopping the statin temporarily and see if there is any improvement.

 

[pinkiepunksmummy]

Thanks for the replies...to answer the questions,
GP said it was the Metformin causing lows. I did read here that it doesn't usually happen, but can in some people.
No, I am not abusing myself!! I have always eaten a sensible, well balanced diet and am still doing that.
I am allergic to citrus fruits, so they are not an issue with the statins. However, I have had awful indigestion and heartburn since starting the statins, so not really keen to stick with them. I have been diagnosed diabetic 5 months and have had protein in my urine the whole time, only started on statins a few weeks ago. I've had a blood test to see if cholesterol has lowered.