Metformin Is it True?

[JackieA]

Hi Can anyone tell me if this is true please.
A friend of mine who is also on Metformin for type 2 Dietbetes, has been told, that he can now eat what he likes as the Metformin will work on anything that he eats. He has told me this too, but because I`ve only just been diagnosed with Dietbetes 4months ago, and only just started on Metformin, I wanted to check this info out, as it doesn`t sound right to me :? .

Can anyone answer this please?

Thankyou

Jackie

 

[cugila]

I wouldn't take that as good information. Who actually told him this ?? It is definitely not right.

Metformin typically only reduces your Bg levels by around 1.5 mmol/l. That is when you are on the maximum doseage. It also is more effective when you look after your diet and reduce your carbohydrate intake.

 

[FordPrefect]

That advice is totally bogus. If it came from a healthcare professional then seriously complain as that is dangerous advice.

 

[Cowboyjim]

Ho ho another 'magic bullet'?!
Mind you my dietary advice from my GP when I was prescribed was pretty vague. No grapes was about all I can recall.
1.5 mmol/l? Sounds hardly worth bothering with then. :cry:

 

[sugarless sue]

1.5 mmol/l? Sounds hardly worth bothering with then

Depends on your overall control. If your blood sugar levels are in the 7's then a 1.5 drop will take you to a more safe zone complications -wise.

 

[FordPrefect]

No grapes whilst on metformin dont remember either being told that or seeing it on package?

 

[hanadr]

Metformin can only help reduce BG by a little bit and it's easy to have too much carb for it to cope with. Depends on the amount of carb and dose of Met too.
I recently tried taking a bit more Met in hopes of getting weight loss moving again. It didn't and my Bgs were only marginally lower.
Hana

 

[Sweet enough]

Hi Can anyone tell me if this is true please.
A friend of mine who is also on Metformin for type 2 Dietbetes, has been told, that he can now eat what he likes as the Metformin will work on anything that he eats. He has told me this too, but because I`ve only just been diagnosed with Dietbetes 4months ago, and only just started on Metformin, I wanted to check this info out, as it doesn`t sound right to me :? .

Can anyone answer this please?

Thankyou

Jackie

Ahhh if only ! It seems Metformin has seeminly small but very important effect on blood glucose levels. I've read anywhere between 1.5 and 3 mmol although as individuals we all react to a different degree. Mine stepped down suddenly by about 2 mmol after 7/8 weeks on 3x 500mg per day. Metformin is definately NOT a licence to eat whatever you fancy.

 

[wallycorker]

Hi Jackie,

Certainly not the case as far as I am concerned and as many others have already told you.

Diet is the way to go as far as I am concerned. Cutting back on the starchy carbohydrates - i.e. cereals, bread, potatoes mainly - but also pasta and rice - leads to a big and quick improvement in blood glucose levels for most Type 2s. It has worked wonders for me!

Best wishes - John

 

[Ianmac]

I was originally put on 2200mgs per day and a no to everything diet...!

I'm now on 1500mgs slow release per day and can eat almost anything in moderation.

I must admit though John gave me the inspiration to see the 1st stages through....without his kind assistance who knows what might have happened....!!

Thanks John

 

[FelineFan]

Hi all,

Am so glad I found this thread!

It confirms what I already suspected, that taking Metformin will not help reduce your BG levels alone, if you continue with an unhealthy lifestyle!

No matter how much I rant and rave at my GP, she will not accept this! I have Type 2 and I just cannot seem to control my lust for junk and do very little exercise, ( yes I'm obese!), so surprise, surprise, my levels are bad! She keeps pressuring me to go on Met, but I say, what is the point until I can change my lifestyle - permanently!! I have succeeded and then failed, 2/3 times in the past - lost 2/3 stone, got healthier/exercised, numbers came down - all happy. Then I lapse, due to emotional issues, end up comfort eating and getting stuck in a rut again! :evil:

What I need is the emotional support to help me achieve a lifestyle change, not drugs! I'm not a great drugs fan anyway, so any way to avoid them, is good in my book! You wouldn't dream of saying to a 30 a day smoker, right that's it, stop immediately! Look at all the emotional support they get to help them quit! But wanting to get support to eat better and exercise, you usually have to pay out of your own pocket!

I know and am very aware of the long term damage I am setting myself up for, but even knowing that, hasn't helped Mind due this time of year, given the extremes of weather, doesn't give you much incentive either!!

sorry will get off my soap box now!!

 

[hanadr]

Feline fan
you'll get moral support here
However. Do you have a local authority sports Centre near you? Much cheaper than a privat gym.
I go to various classes at mine and have joined a regular group. We meet 2 or 3 times a week for exercise and we also socialise together. All of us are over 50( a couple are 80!) and Most of us are overweight. Being in the same boat, means we're not embarrassed in each other's company and you can exercise quite effectively in tracky bottoms and baggy tee-shirt.

 

[FelineFan]

Hi hanadr,

Thank you for your reply

Yes, we have a swimming pool, 5 mins away in the car, which we have used. We jusstr need the willpower, warmer weather and lighter evenings to encourage us to go again - hubby and I, that is!

Once I'm in the "zone" I do really well at exercise etc, but fall off the rails, as I have done and it's hard to get back again!

Thanks again