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Metformin increase

BBGRAMMY

BBGRAMMY

Active Member
Messages
32
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi all
Hope you are enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend and it’s not too hot for you.
My question is I’ve been asked to up my Metformin from 1,500 to 2,000 (4x500mg).
I’ve been reluctant to do this as I’ve had anaemia and most recently Bell’s palsy. It looks like prednisolone has increased my Hba1c from 56 to 64. Over the last 16yrs my Hba1c has increased not decreased from 48 (when diagnosed) so I’m going to give the extra tab a go. Can I please ask if spacing out is better or doubling up? Or…. Is it down to the individual and testing? My practice nurse suggested 2 at lunch and 2 at dinner. I just want to feel better
 
Steroid meds always muck up my blood glucose levels, too. Thankfully only temporarily, and the steroids do make the symptoms of allergy (breathing difficulty and rashes) better very quickly.

When I was on Metformin, and only eating two meals a day, I took the tablets with those meals as the advice was to take them with food.

Unfortunately, we can’t really advise individuals on dosage or timing of meds , especially if there has already been specific advice from a HCP. Maybe ask pharmacist who prepared the prescription? I always find them very knowledgeable and they have best understanding of various meds and how best to take them when more than one med is involved.

Hope you feel better soon.
 
BBGRAMMY said:
Thanks Pipp I will speak to my pharmacy.
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Yes I have to take them with food as otherwise I feel sick. Thanks for mentioning 2 meals a day as most days I do this too. Thanks for your reply.
 
For me the high dose really disturbs my stomach, split it into 500+500+1000 works best. But remembering to take it with lunch... A reminder on my phone helps a lot :)
 
Thanks @Tazdevl.. my gp has pushed the Metformin increase back as I’ve been on prednisolone for Bells Palsy and still have going symptoms. I’ve now got a few months to think about the extra dose. I’ve had so many health niggles and I thought I could jump to the increase. At this time I don’t think my body will cope very well and I don’t want to put anymore pressure on myself.
Many thanks though for your perspective.
I will take this into consideration if I increase my meds.
It’s really helpful for me when people share what they do then I can make a considered decision for what might work best for me.
So a big thank you!
 
BBGRAMMY said:
Hi all
Hope you are enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend and it’s not too hot for you.
My question is I’ve been asked to up my Metformin from 1,500 to 2,000 (4x500mg).
I’ve been reluctant to do this as I’ve had anaemia and most recently Bell’s palsy. It looks like prednisolone has increased my Hba1c from 56 to 64. Over the last 16yrs my Hba1c has increased not decreased from 48 (when diagnosed) so I’m going to give the extra tab a go. Can I please ask if spacing out is better or doubling up? Or…. Is it down to the individual and testing? My practice nurse suggested 2 at lunch and 2 at dinner. I just want to feel better
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I take 2 after breakfast and 2 after my evening meal. Works for me, and the last time I was tested, almost a year ago now, my Hba1c was right down. Doctor told me to "go on doing what you're doing!". As I'm now on the Ascend Plus trial and fairly obviously on the oral semaglutide rather than the placebo, I'm hoping I'll get my dose reduced when I get my bloods done again in 2 weeks.
 
BBGRAMMY said:
At this time I don’t think my body will cope very well and I don’t want to put anymore pressure on myself.
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I suggest that when you up the dose you go carefully and listen to your body. I chose to start taking Metformin years ago. I gradually worked up from a very low dose to 2g daily, which is the max prescribed. I took each tablet with a meal. That worked fine for me for years.

Eventually Metformin seems to have turned against me and I began having explosive diarrhea. I discontinued, re-started at a lower dose 2 x 0.5g , problem came back, discontinued, started again at only 1 x 0.5g daily, problem came back. I was very disappointed as I want to do everything I can to keep my bg low. I found out that Metformin can do that - be OK for years, and then not.

Recently I heard Dr Ford Brewer on Youtube say he takes just 0.5g about twice weekly, so I may try that.

Just to say that Metformin needs taking and watching carefully!
 
Alexandra100 said:
I suggest that when you up the dose you go carefully and listen to your body. I chose to start taking Metformin years ago. I gradually worked up from a very low dose to 2g daily, which is the max prescribed. I took each tablet with a meal. That worked fine for me for years.

Eventually Metformin seems to have turned against me and I began having explosive diarrhea. I discontinued, re-started at a lower dose 2 x 0.5g , problem came back, discontinued, started again at only 1 x 0.5g daily, problem came back. I was very disappointed as I want to do everything I can to keep my bg low. I found out that Metformin can do that - be OK for years, and then not.

Recently I heard Dr Ford Brewer on Youtube say he takes just 0.5g about twice weekly, so I may try that.

Just to say that Metformin needs taking and watching carefully!
Click to expand...
Hi @Alexandra100
I have to agree about Metformin. I feel the same wanting to keep my numbers lower and not have higher numbers so I can keep to the guidelines. It’s been 16 years since I was diagnosed with T2 and I have had low iron since then. I told my drs recently that I think it’s Metformin. I was willing to give the increase a go however I feel more cautious at this time and I was listened to. They test and retest give me the odd 3 months of iron supplements and take me off. I know the pattern of my body’s reaction as you seem to have too! Each of us react differently to this medication. I feel foolish in allowing it to go on for so long.
Thanks for the warning and I will take all of this on board! I will also look at Dr Ford Brewer too.
 
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