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Metformin ER/MR vs Metformin

Z

zudecke

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Hi guys,

Couple of questions on behalf of my mother... And please forgive me if this is in the wrong forum (or community altogether!)

6 months or so ago, she was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and has since been taking Metformin 500g x2 per day (one in the morning and one just after dinner in the evenings at about 19.30).

She's found herself waking up to urinate several times in the middle of the night since being prescribed the Metformin and wants to know if this is a common/expected effect of taking this?

As a result, research and some recommendations suggest she might see better results with either Metformin Extended Release or Metformin Modified Release.

Appreciate all your help guys!

Thanks in advance,

Mike
 
Hi Mike. The urinating in the night is normally more of a side effect of blood sugar levcels being too high than the metformin. Although you say it started when she started metformin, it could be her blood sugar levels were getting to her then as well. The kidneys want to flush the excess sugar. You normally get extra thirsty as well, because the kidneys WANT you to drink to help them flush.
The normal side effects of metformin are upset tummy - vomiting sometimes, diarrhoea, tummy cramps. The slow release versions of metformin certainly help to stop those side effects.
Does she test her blood sugar levels? What are they before she goes to bed? If she doesn't, you need to get her a meter and start testing to see how she's doing. We can give you more advice on how to get the most out of testing if you like.
 
Hi Grazer - thanks for the quick response!

She is battling her type-2 by way of Metformin, exercise and low-carbing (with protein and good fat intake etc).

I will let her know that her nightly urinating could well be down to her blood-sugar levels. She does indeed have the home-test kit, but I don't think she's using it.. In fact I don't think she's used it at all.. Is it highly recommended she does?

Below is a table detailing her "key" (I think) stats from reports last year and now (last week).. Perhaps there's insight in the numbers...


WAS NOW
Lipids 6.4 6.2
HBA1C 50 45
Urea 54
B12 1000
Serum cholesterol 7.3 6..2
Weight 47.3 43
Height 5ft 5ft
BMI 20 18.5


Thanks again!

Mike
 
Hi mike. From her figures, She's got her BGs (sugar levels) nicely under control. The HbA1c of 45 refers to 6.3% in the old currency you'll often see used on this site. She could still have highish BGs going to bed though, so worth checking that with her meter. You'd be wanting to see a figure on the meter of 6ish before bed. Ideally a bit lower. So do check. Of course, as we get ilder there are other reasons why we get up in the night to pee more frequently'! If it's too bad, she could talk to the doc. Might not be diabetes related at all.
 
I am not medically trained but see that her BMI is rather low. Is she eating enough? I dont know how old she is, but it seems she is a bit slender. Has she lost weight recently?

I echo the suggestion for her to see her doctor.
 
Hi guys,

Thanks for the responses.

I'll advise it could just be a result of increased fluid consumption at night before bed. Sounds logical!!

@luckylocket61 - You're right, her BMI is slightly on the on the short side. She's adjusting to a new low-carb diet and trying to see what works best for her and in the process lost a lot of weight very quickly! As a result (we think!) she's also suffered quite worrying hair loss.. We're not sure if this is dietary related (B12 levels?), Metformin side-effect, or something completely separate... Any ideas?

On another note, what is the difference if any, between:
- Metformin Sustained Release
- Metformin Extended Release
- Metformin Modified Release (what she has been prescribed)

And what dosage of the Metformin MR do you think she should be on? As mentioned previously she is currently on 1000mg (500mg x2) of normal Metformin per day, but has just been prescribed Metformin Modified Release (whatever that is!?) at exactly the same dosage of 500mg twice a day.

So my question is, why has my Doc prescribed the same dosage for the time-release Metformin as the normal Metformin?

Any ideas?

Cheers,

Mike
 
I think these are just different names for the same thing. The doseage is the normal starter level for metformin, be it normal or SR/ER/MR!
Her hair loss is not the norm with metformin. If she'slosinmg weight through the low carbs, she needs to up something to balance it. More proteins etc. I graze on loads of nuts as although they have some carbs, they are stasck full of proteins and the carbs are very slow acting (low GI) ones. Helps to keep my weight up. No cashews though - high carbs and GI, not really nuts.
Hair loss, weight loss etc - think I'd be paying a visit to the doc to get it checked out.
 
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