Metformin... again!

[Kay_2503]

Thank you

 

[Kay_2503]

When I was first diagnosed with around a 20 fasting blood glucose, I did not take Metformin for the first week and got down to 16 (I now know this was a great immediate reduction, so could have stayed off the drug). I was then placed on Metformin and initially had the runny tummy. Eventually I stopped Metformin and have not looked back. This is your choice to take or not.

When I was a newbie I could have done with someone giving me some food and other pointers, which are completely my ideas and optional for you:

(Avoid rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, crisps, biscuits, sweet fruits and fruit juice should be):

Drinks:
Water, Tea, Black Coffee

Breakfasts:
Bacon / Sausages, Eggs (any way), Mushrooms Tomatoes or
Mixed nuts of any type (minimal on cashews and peanuts though), Greek full fat Yogurt, Strawberry, Blackberry, Blueberry and Raspberry

Lunch:
Meat or oily fish / half an avocado, handful of nuts, celery for dipping in whole earth peanut butter and salad no dressing

Dinner:
Meat or fish, lot's of veg - broccoli, cauliflower, onion / garlic, tomato, radish. Full fat cheese selection or whole earth peanut butter using a celery stick or 2 to scoop up (trust me on this). Optionally some berries.

The above is the type of foods which will help as a starter, as this is low carb.

Some swaps if you are struggling:
Bread - Lidl high protein rolls
Pasta - Explore Quisine (if you can eat Soy) - Edamame Spaghetti or Butternut Squash Spaghetti or Cauliflower rice
Rice - Cauliflower rice / Celeriac rice
For cakes / pancakes - Coconut / Almond Flour

Snacks:
Cheese
Nuts
Deli Meats
Supermarket cooked chicken
Berries
Full fat yogurt

Miscellaneous:
Sleep well (very important)
Walk if you can after each meal
Try not to eat too late into the evening to get as much time between your last meal of the day and your first of the next.

I now eat just one meal a day after following much of the above.

Thank you this is gr8 advice!! I'm going to try and take one with brekkie one with evening meal and see how I go as this wk has been horrendous!! I have been very strict this wk and sticking to 50g carb per meal and actually most meals are hitting 30carb and some 13. I feel so much better but the effects have been worse then ever!! I do wanna come off the drug and do this through diet and exercise. I am seeing a dietician next wk so will discuss then. Thank you so much for your post

 

[Kay_2503]

@Kay_2503 I take 2 slow release Metformin . One at breakfast and one with my evening meal.

Thank you I am going to try this today and see how it goes

 

[Kay_2503]

@ClareBearJ @Kay_2503

Hello and welcome to the Forum Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it useful. Ask as many questions as you need to and someone will be able to help.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 235,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:

• Reduce your carbohydrate intake
• Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates

Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)

• Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l

However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

• structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
• self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.
Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. Most of these are free.

• Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why
  
  
• Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
  

Thank you so much!! A for the lovely welcome too. First time I've commented and over whelmed at the support!! Thank you

 

[Art Of Flowers]

I had a HbA1C of 99 at diagnosis. Most recent test was 41 and this was after I shopped taking Metformin. I have managed to reduce my blood sugars purely by reducing the amount of carbohydrates I eat. That means cutting out breakfast cereals, bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. Also I stopped drinking fruit juice and eating most fruit except strawberries.

Metformin only reduces blood sugars by a small amount regardless of how much you take.

 

[CIarebear]

Update... Ive not been told to stop my metformin and gliclazide and been given a medication called Janumet, which i was pleased about until I realised its still primarily metformin! Worried now that its going to give me stomach problems, I've just this second taken my first tablet.

 

[finsit]

When I was first diagnosed with around a 20 fasting blood glucose, I did not take Metformin for the first week and got down to 16 (I now know this was a great immediate reduction, so could have stayed off the drug). I was then placed on Metformin and initially had the runny tummy. Eventually I stopped Metformin and have not looked back. This is your choice to take or not.

When I was a newbie I could have done with someone giving me some food and other pointers, which are completely my ideas and optional for you:

(Avoid rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, crisps, biscuits, sweet fruits and fruit juice should be):

Drinks:
Water, Tea, Black Coffee

Breakfasts:
Bacon / Sausages, Eggs (any way), Mushrooms Tomatoes or
Mixed nuts of any type (minimal on cashews and peanuts though), Greek full fat Yogurt, Strawberry, Blackberry, Blueberry and Raspberry

Lunch:
Meat or oily fish / half an avocado, handful of nuts, celery for dipping in whole earth peanut butter and salad no dressing

Dinner:
Meat or fish, lot's of veg - broccoli, cauliflower, onion / garlic, tomato, radish. Full fat cheese selection or whole earth peanut butter using a celery stick or 2 to scoop up (trust me on this). Optionally some berries.

The above is the type of foods which will help as a starter, as this is low carb.

Some swaps if you are struggling:
Bread - Lidl high protein rolls
Pasta - Explore Quisine (if you can eat Soy) - Edamame Spaghetti or Butternut Squash Spaghetti or Cauliflower rice
Rice - Cauliflower rice / Celeriac rice
For cakes / pancakes - Coconut / Almond Flour

Snacks:
Cheese
Nuts
Deli Meats
Supermarket cooked chicken
Berries
Full fat yogurt

Miscellaneous:
Sleep well (very important)
Walk if you can after each meal
Try not to eat too late into the evening to get as much time between your last meal of the day and your first of the next.

I now eat just one meal a day after following much of the above.

My question is how do you manage daily protein intake in OMAD ? I am newly diagnosed with a1c of 78. On dr bernstein guide of low carb diet, 2x500 slow release metformin morning/evening meals. However, after 6 weeks i am still unable to get my postprandial below 100, its constantly in the range of 115 2h postmeal, 95 before meals and close to 90 fasting. I am loosing my belly fat, i was 70 kg and now 63, but target is 55 because im short. from your anyone else experience, will my postprandial improve on the same diet/meds or i will need to add something else?

 

[Rachox]

My question is how do you manage daily protein intake in OMAD ? I am newly diagnosed with a1c of 78. On dr bernstein guide of low carb diet, 2x500 slow release metformin morning/evening meals. However, after 6 weeks i am still unable to get my postprandial below 100, its constantly in the range of 115 2h postmeal, 95 before meals and close to 90 fasting. I am loosing my belly fat, i was 70 kg and now 63, but target is 55 because im short. from your anyone else experience, will my postprandial improve on the same diet/meds or i will need to add something else?

Hi @zamalik and welcome to the forum. You have responded to a 3yr old thread. You’ll get a better response if you post your own new thread in an appropriate sub forum.

 

[Mbaker]

My question is how do you manage daily protein intake in OMAD ? I am newly diagnosed with a1c of 78. On dr bernstein guide of low carb diet, 2x500 slow release metformin morning/evening meals. However, after 6 weeks i am still unable to get my postprandial below 100, its constantly in the range of 115 2h postmeal, 95 before meals and close to 90 fasting. I am loosing my belly fat, i was 70 kg and now 63, but target is 55 because im short. from your anyone else experience, will my postprandial improve on the same diet/meds or i will need to add something else?

It is really easy. Eat your normal meal, then add either add something like a tin or 2 of sardines / mackerel in water, an extra portion of meat, a snack size side dish of bacon or bacon and eggs, peanut butter on coconut / cream pancakes, a couple of chaffles (look up Keto versions on YouTube), coconut flakes with milk or full fat Greek Yogurt.

6 weeks is a very short time, insulin resistance was probably built up over decades. What is important is the general trends. I can recall getting fbg's in the 5's and wondering how people were getting early 4's. At the time I was exercising like mad and eating well. For me the changes came with a combination of reducing plants, increasing animal proteins and removing home made soda bread; I wish I would have removed one at a time to understand what made the most difference.

Anyway, give your body a chance to heal and maybe optimise

P.S.
I have not tried to go back to previous ways for 3 reasons. Don't want the complications again, the "rubbish" does not meet my bodies standards of nutrition / benefit and I prefer savoury.

 

[Pete_]

I was put on 500mg (twice a day) of metformin when I was diagnosed, gave me awful stomach issues so I was changed onto 750mg slow release (once a day). Had my first diabetic review yesterday, hba1c 101!

Nurse said she would change my metformin and has given me 850mg (twice a day) but I collected it earlier and it’s the normal type. Is there any reason you can’t take the slow release twice a day? I’m not willing to try taking 850mg of the standard release as I’m in a situation with work when if I take anymore time off I could lose my job. And the 500mg gave me enough trouble just taking one a day!

I’ve been back and forth on the phone to various people at my doctors surgery and all I’ve managed to do is get an appointment on the 15th February! Until then I guess I’m just taking my one slow release metformin once a day.

I have never understood the medical logic of..
This is making me ill..
OK, so we will double it!
It's a good job that they no longer prescribe radium for diabetes..
Will the people that any form of Metformin, did any good, please stand up.
Acid reflux, regurgitation, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and constipation are all "normal" side effects..
Dr., have seen the side effects of ingesting large amount of Arsenic?

 

[Andydragon]

I have never understood the medical logic of..
This is making me ill..
OK, so we will double it!
It's a good job that they no longer prescribe radium for diabetes..
Will the people that any form of Metformin, did any good, please stand up.
Acid reflux, regurgitation, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and constipation are all "normal" side effects..
Dr., have seen the side effects of ingesting large amount of Arsenic?

I was on it for over a decade with no side effects. It did have an impact on my blood levels, may not have been as large an impact as some other drugs I was on but it was an improvement

I know that for some of my has nasty side effects and slow release can improve that for some, but for others it is unfortunately not tolerated

So, here’s at least one person saying it worked. It is well known, generally minimal side effects, so is the standard go to drug

not trying to minimise the issue as it clearly can be a nasty experience but all drugs have issues, in the main, there are worse

 

[zand]

I have never understood the medical logic of..
This is making me ill..
OK, so we will double it!
It's a good job that they no longer prescribe radium for diabetes..
Will the people that any form of Metformin, did any good, please stand up.
Acid reflux, regurgitation, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and constipation are all "normal" side effects..
Dr., have seen the side effects of ingesting large amount of Arsenic?

I'm standing up here.

 

[zand]

I have never understood the medical logic of..
This is making me ill..
OK, so we will double it!
It's a good job that they no longer prescribe radium for diabetes..
Will the people that any form of Metformin, did any good, please stand up.
Acid reflux, regurgitation, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and constipation are all "normal" side effects..
Dr., have seen the side effects of ingesting large amount of Arsenic?

I don't mind the normal side effects. I only get them when I eat more carbs than I should anyway. A quick dash to the loo is a small price to pay for something that helps me lose weight. I don't call stomach cramps and diarhheoa being ill. Being a woman I used to get that every month anyway in my younger days! I call having a broken metabolism being ill. Without metformin I walked 2 miles a day and ate around 1200 cals of low carb food and didn't lose a pound. With metformin I lost 2 and a half stone. Metformin helped me to help myself.

 

[steve_21]

Hi thank you. I am on a reduced carb diet and doing well on it. Do you mind me asking what happened when you came off metformin? What does it actually do? Thanks again. Great to hear you have a new lease of life!!

I found coming off Metformin life changing frankly. The diarrhoea stopped also the cramps headaches and brain fog. I find Metformin does nothing for any of my levels, just kept them there the same ticking over. I was offered and am now taking Dapagliflozin, after 4 months all levels are falling, blood sugar has gone from 61 to 57 or 7.6 to 7.4 whichever graph you use ( can't understand why there are 2 ) and my waist size has reduced 3 inches and weight is dropping. Very few side effects, the only one I have found is slight urinary problems, much preferred to constant toilet rush of diarrhoea and cramps. Hope this helps.