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Metformin for people over 60?

D

DAWilhoite

Newbie
I am 68 years old---my sugar level was running high ---230, etc. I weighed 240 lbs--my doctor prescribed 1000 MG of Metformin per day 8 months ago---I went on the Atkins diet and eliminated carbohydrates, sugar, and salt, completely from my diet. I was exercising a lot ----walking rapidly two miles a day ---I now weigh 193 lbs---my glucose is at 71.8 mg. ---about 4 days ago after a rigid walk i believe i had a low sugar attack ---i got very shaky and weak and felt like i could pass out ----i ate some candy and cookies and drank some juice with sugar and got ok ---i called my doctor and talked to his nurse and she said to get off the atkins diet---which i had pretty much done ----the doctor was supposed to call me back about taking the Metformin --however ---so far he hasn't called---i stopped taking it after that attack and i'm feeling fine ---what bothers me is reading an article from the Mayo Clinic that says Metformin should not be prescribed for people over 60 ----at this point i have decided not resume taking it until my next doctor's visit in August---what do you think??
 
I'm 74 & have taken metf (3x500 mg) for about 10 years, with no problems, either perceived or blood test.

Low BG hypos are not likely with metf, & treatment with metf does not affect car insurance or problems with the DVLA.

I am on a low carb, high fat diet & play tennis for 2-3 hours without sports drinks or bananas. A low carb, even Atkins diet should not cause problems due to low BG.

In diabetics, BG changes continuously through the day, being at the maximum about 1 hour after a meal, & a minimum before the next meal. A single figure doesn't tell us much - unless that 71.8 was measured when you felt low. It isn't low - it is still well above the non-diabetic level & well above the hypo level. If that was your BG when you felt ill, there is some other cause likely & you should watch for other symptoms. Are you taking other medication? e.g. Statins are much more likely to cause problems than metf.
 
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