Hi, I have only recently been diagnosed with T2, actually a week today. I was given Metformin standard and was ok for a few days on one tablet a day. I was meant to increase but on Wednesday, so not even a week, I noticed my face was very flushed and within hours I had bright red rash and blotches on my face and neck only. In the light it looked almost bobbly. Not that itchy or sore but I felt quite warm. anyway, I contacted the surgery as it does show in very rare instances it can be caused by this drug. The doctor has suggested the extended release which I haven't started yet. I have to wait until my rash goes. It has the same side effect of red rash. I just wondered how different is the ER version to the standard in as much as it is the same drug but the doctor surely knows it has the same side effects? I am nervous about trying this one in case I have the same issue. wondered hopefully that I was missing something and it will be ok. any thoughts please?
Metformin face rash and extended release query plse
- Thread starter Devonmade
- Start Date
JoKalsbeek
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Hey Devonmade,
Far as I know, and I'm no doc here eh, the slow release version mostly impacts the bowel-issues most people have with the regular kind... Don't think it'll do much for your rash. Have you tried changing your diet? That way you might be able to avoid medication altogether and get into the non-diabetioc range all the same. I responded badly to metformin myself, and while I was okay on gliclazide (There's more than one drug to control T2 with), I wanted to be rid of medication if I could... Was off al diabetes meds, as well as the statin for my cholesterol in 3 months. Could've been faster, but I made quite a few mistakes along the way. Didn't find this place until much later, otherwise it would've been quicker. Has anyone told you about LCHF? (Low carb, high fat?). A lot of the members here do well on it, and quite a few have achieved remission. I'll always be a T2, but I have my bloodsugars under firm control, and no more complications. Might be worth looking into? More info here if you want to read it, https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/blog/jokalsbeek.401801/ , on this forum's main website too, and dietdoctor.com. Might want to look into The Diabetes Code by Dr. Jason Fung too. You don't have to dive in straight away, but as you have to wait for the rash to clear anyway before you can try something else, a little additional knowledge won't hurt eh. And I'm tagging in @daisy1 for her excellent info-sheet.
You'll be okay.
Jo
Far as I know, and I'm no doc here eh, the slow release version mostly impacts the bowel-issues most people have with the regular kind... Don't think it'll do much for your rash. Have you tried changing your diet? That way you might be able to avoid medication altogether and get into the non-diabetioc range all the same. I responded badly to metformin myself, and while I was okay on gliclazide (There's more than one drug to control T2 with), I wanted to be rid of medication if I could... Was off al diabetes meds, as well as the statin for my cholesterol in 3 months. Could've been faster, but I made quite a few mistakes along the way. Didn't find this place until much later, otherwise it would've been quicker. Has anyone told you about LCHF? (Low carb, high fat?). A lot of the members here do well on it, and quite a few have achieved remission. I'll always be a T2, but I have my bloodsugars under firm control, and no more complications. Might be worth looking into? More info here if you want to read it, https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/blog/jokalsbeek.401801/ , on this forum's main website too, and dietdoctor.com. Might want to look into The Diabetes Code by Dr. Jason Fung too. You don't have to dive in straight away, but as you have to wait for the rash to clear anyway before you can try something else, a little additional knowledge won't hurt eh. And I'm tagging in @daisy1 for her excellent info-sheet.
You'll be okay.
Jo
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In your shoes I would be very reluctant to try the SR version, afterall it is the same medication. So if you have an allergy to it I don’t see how SR would make a difference. Can you get an appt to discuss your concerns?
This is from the Metformin info sheet here, it's nearly at the bottom of this link.
https://www.nps.org.au/medical-info/medicine-finder/apo-metformin-tablets
Resurgam
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If you were not put onto another drug at the same time as the Metformin could you please report the occurrence under the yellow card scheme?
I suspect that the 'safe and effective' opinion of Metformin is only there because the side effects are not reported.
They were not even added to my notes.
I suspect that the 'safe and effective' opinion of Metformin is only there because the side effects are not reported.
They were not even added to my notes.
I had a new COPD inhaler prescribed to me years ago, that caused a localised skin irritation and rash. I stopped using it starit away.
daisy1
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@Devonmade
Hello and welcome to the Forum
Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it interesting and helpful.
BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS
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:
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
Access to blood glucose test strips
The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:
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.
Hello and welcome to the Forum
Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it interesting and helpful.BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS
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
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
- Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
- Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
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.
