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Metformin and now Metformin Modified Release.

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barb1

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The Metformin the doctor prescribed first gave me terrible problems with diarrhoea. She has put me on Metformin M/R now but it still seems that I am not tolerating them very well. Reading posts written on the forum, most people find that the Modified Release version of Metformin is much better. Is there anything else that can be given to lower my BG without having to suffer these problems.

Without taking tablets my BG's started to creep up and up until I had got to 12.2, and my last HbA1c was 49 (7.6) in old figures. This has crept up from the first one, which was 5.5, the second 6.5 and now this one. I dont think I can put up with the symptoms these tablets are causing. Has anyone had this problem or is there any advice that anyone could give me. :(
 
HI. The sort of medication that's best will depend on the characteristics of diabetes you have. If you are an overweight typical insulin resistant T2 then Metformin is the best starter tablet as it reduces glucose output from the liver, reduces appetitie and one or two other effects. If you are normal weight then may be your pancreas is not producing enough insulin? In this case something like Gliclazide can be prescribed to stimulate the pancreas. There are other drugs such as Sitagliptin which also help insulin production. Are you having a low-carb diet? I assume you are but if not it is vital to control your carb intake and keep them low-GI to help reduce blood sugar
 
Try a different brand maybe? I heard that they aren't all made equal. I believe that Glucophage is the name for the original brand of the drug and may be better quality that the generic knock off from China
 
Thank you both for your input. I am overweight, very, and am trying hard to stick to a low carb diet but I am finding it hard as it is the food I most crave.

If my problems dont settle down I think I'd better return to the GP and see what else she can prescribe.

Thanks again for your replies.
 
Hi. Yes, I guess insulin resistance is the problem. I think most of us find that moving away from carbs is not easy when first diagnosed as I loved doughnuts etc etc. You do gradually get used to other foods and the body stops having carb cravings due to instant glucose hits; it's almost like a drug. Try to go for low-GI versions of things you love. I have 85% chocolate now which is very low carb. I have low-GI bread from the local baker. I only have wholemeal/multigrain rolls, muffins when I do have them. I have home-made muesli as it has nuts and stuff added to the oats; fat slows down carb absorption. You are allowed fried eggs, bacon, quality sausages and so on. Cheese is OK. Keep at it and you will succeed.
 
I had a bad reaction to Metformin it made me sick, however when my doctor talked me into taking glucophage ( which is Metformin?) I was fine unless I take more than one tablet at a time, I have gradually worked up to 4 tabs a day. It means that I take less insulin, I was taking large doses of insulin because I am very insulin resistant, but for one glorious month in the rainy season (summer) I needed no insulin. I have a gene for pancreatic cancer don't know whether it also effects insulin production.
 
Hi Ruth3. Did you really mean Glucosamine? This a health supplement for joint health and is not a diabetes drug. Perhaps you meant another drug with a similar name?
 
I don't mean the bone supplement that helps horses I meant glucophage sorry senior moment :oops:
 
Hi a I take 3x 500 metaformin for type 2diabeties now the doc has increased it. to 2x metaformin morning and night what time at night should I take them? Also I am recovering from phenomia and I was in acoma and I am now on steroids to help with breathing which of course puts weight on any ideas I can't exercise much due to been v breathless and tire v easily any help on how to loose weight would b great full I am on diet control diet too hope to hear back soon thanksp
 
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