METFORMIN QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
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Re: question about Metformin
I am Ken.
Pleased to meet you, I hope you will enjoy your time on the Forum. If you have any questions we will do our best to answer you. There is usually somebody around.
I am Ken.
Pleased to meet you, I hope you will enjoy your time on the Forum. If you have any questions we will do our best to answer you. There is usually somebody around.
Re: question about Metformin
Another question about Metformin. I take 3 x 500mg per day.
One doctor says space them evenly, which for me would be one at 08:00, one at 16:00 and the last at bed-time - 23:30 to midnight. I did this for a bit, with no apparent adverse effects and no wild swings in glucose readings. In fact they were very tight, never above 8 and usually around the 5 to 5.5 mark. This on strict low carb and no alcohol, and testing before every meal, 2 hours later, and on getting up and at bed time.
Another doctor (and the packet) says take with food. But I eat, usually, at about 09:30, 13:00 and 19:30, which concentrates them all in 12 hours and leaves 12 hours without anything. This doctor, our diabetes specialist, says they have to be taken with food to work. I'm doing that now, and my readings are overall slightly higher - as much as 8.2 pre-meal, and around 5.7 to 6.3 two hours after. My diet is exactly the same as previously.
Do they really truly have to be taken at meal-times? or can I space them?
Or is it something to do with the fact that I'd previously been using a Bayer Contour monitor, and now I have the Freestyle Freedom Lite as supplied by the practice? I know this converts the capillary reading to a plasma equivalent. Is the Bayer whole blood, and could this account for the difference?
Any comments would be much appreciated
Cheers
V
PS nearly midnight. I've just upset my monitor/meter theory - I've just tested using the same puncture wound. Bayer (whole blood?) 6.3, Freestyle (plasma) 5.8. I'd expect monitors to vary, but this much?? I'm taking my confusion to bed! :?
I bet my fasting, am, will be around 7. Watch this space.
Another question about Metformin. I take 3 x 500mg per day.
One doctor says space them evenly, which for me would be one at 08:00, one at 16:00 and the last at bed-time - 23:30 to midnight. I did this for a bit, with no apparent adverse effects and no wild swings in glucose readings. In fact they were very tight, never above 8 and usually around the 5 to 5.5 mark. This on strict low carb and no alcohol, and testing before every meal, 2 hours later, and on getting up and at bed time.
Another doctor (and the packet) says take with food. But I eat, usually, at about 09:30, 13:00 and 19:30, which concentrates them all in 12 hours and leaves 12 hours without anything. This doctor, our diabetes specialist, says they have to be taken with food to work. I'm doing that now, and my readings are overall slightly higher - as much as 8.2 pre-meal, and around 5.7 to 6.3 two hours after. My diet is exactly the same as previously.
Do they really truly have to be taken at meal-times? or can I space them?
Or is it something to do with the fact that I'd previously been using a Bayer Contour monitor, and now I have the Freestyle Freedom Lite as supplied by the practice? I know this converts the capillary reading to a plasma equivalent. Is the Bayer whole blood, and could this account for the difference?
Any comments would be much appreciated
Cheers
V
PS nearly midnight. I've just upset my monitor/meter theory - I've just tested using the same puncture wound. Bayer (whole blood?) 6.3, Freestyle (plasma) 5.8. I'd expect monitors to vary, but this much?? I'm taking my confusion to bed! :?
I bet my fasting, am, will be around 7. Watch this space.
When I was on the max dose of Metformin some while ago (3g per day) I used to take them with or during each meal. That was because the effects, if I ever had any, were less of a problem doing it that way. That was what the prescribing information stated. It worked.
I now only take two in the mornings and they are taken when I get up around 7-8 am. My breakfast might be much later at 9 - 10 am. They still work fine for me. So when you take them is a matter for yourself, however I would always advise that they be taken at the time stated on the prescription. I would never tell anybody to take them differently.
Just because it works fine for me......doesn't mean it's suitable for others.
I now only take two in the mornings and they are taken when I get up around 7-8 am. My breakfast might be much later at 9 - 10 am. They still work fine for me. So when you take them is a matter for yourself, however I would always advise that they be taken at the time stated on the prescription. I would never tell anybody to take them differently.
Just because it works fine for me......doesn't mean it's suitable for others.
I thought it was advisable to take them at food times to help reduce the impact on the stomach ie feeling sick etc, and also to make it a habit and not forget, I am two low dose a day, I take with breakfast and one after evening meal (if I forget this one, as sometimes happens, I try to take as soon after as possible, but not too late). I have never heard that they must be taken with meals to make them work, possibly, but I do not think the instructions on the box state this fact.
By the way Peaches1, welcome to what I consider to be 'my life line', since T2 diagnosis 3 years ago, I really have no idea where I would be without the support of the super people on this forum
Metformin:
When to take.......from the BNF60.
I too have never heard that they don't work if taken at other times ? In my experience they do work whenever they are taken. Mind you, I don't get too bothered about testing their effects. They work, end of.
When to take.......from the BNF60.
I too have never heard that they don't work if taken at other times ? In my experience they do work whenever they are taken. Mind you, I don't get too bothered about testing their effects. They work, end of.
It does seem illogical that they shouldn't work without food. After all, BG is in your blood, not your stomach! Maybe the 'with a meal' instruction is because the food will lessen the side effects if you have them, as a number of posts have suggested. Fortunately, after the initial easing on to them, my system seems to have settled down.
One thing I will say - a notorious side-effect of Atkins is constipation. Not a problem now I'm on Metformin! Sorry if that's too much info! :lol:
Thanks for the comments
V
One thing I will say - a notorious side-effect of Atkins is constipation. Not a problem now I'm on Metformin! Sorry if that's too much info! :lol:
Thanks for the comments
V
Metformin is a biguanide antidiabetic.
It works in 3 ways, it decreases the amount of glucose that the liver produces. It decreases the amount that is absorbed via the intestines from food/drink. It also helps to make your body more sensitive to the insulin that you naturally produce.
You are correct that taking it with a meal should lessen any possible side effects.
It works in 3 ways, it decreases the amount of glucose that the liver produces. It decreases the amount that is absorbed via the intestines from food/drink. It also helps to make your body more sensitive to the insulin that you naturally produce.
You are correct that taking it with a meal should lessen any possible side effects.
metformin
Good morning,
I was wondering if it is better to be on metformin or other medication for type 2 to protect
your heart when you are first DX I have noticed that some members with lower levels than me are
on metformin from the start why is this :?:
Thanks,
Lanzlady
Good morning,
I was wondering if it is better to be on metformin or other medication for type 2 to protect
your heart when you are first DX I have noticed that some members with lower levels than me are
on metformin from the start why is this :?:
Thanks,
Lanzlady
Hi Lanzlady
My levels were only marginally high when I was diagnosed, but I need to lose a lot of weight. Metformin helps with weight loss in some people, so I actually asked to be put on them. I don't know whether they're working or not, but . . . !
I did get my levels down by low-carb diet only, in the first 3 months.
I shall be seeing my doctor at the end of March, and will discuss with him whether to either increase the dose or come off them altogether. I'd quite like to see what my system is doing without them.
I had side-effects initially, but my system settled down quite quickly.
Hope that's some help.
Viv
My levels were only marginally high when I was diagnosed, but I need to lose a lot of weight. Metformin helps with weight loss in some people, so I actually asked to be put on them. I don't know whether they're working or not, but . . . !
I did get my levels down by low-carb diet only, in the first 3 months.
I shall be seeing my doctor at the end of March, and will discuss with him whether to either increase the dose or come off them altogether. I'd quite like to see what my system is doing without them.
I had side-effects initially, but my system settled down quite quickly.
Hope that's some help.
Viv
started my ownpost as new here and just realised there is this long on going post sorry
i been on metformin about 7months now and from the start had nausea and diarrhea.the nausea wore of but not the runs.and since i got put up to a 2 a day Dec time i been so severe with diarrhea i cant leave the house,
my gp doesnt seem to listen to me and doesnt think the Metformin can be causing it and doesn tsem to want to offer anything else.maybe as i am also on other meds that push my sugars up and yrs ago i had heart problem but that has been treated and im ok at the moment but maybe he insists on the metformin as he thinks its best for me but i cant cope with this any longer
i stopped my meds over 48hrs ago and today is the first day for months that i havent had diarrhea and sever tummy ache.so im sure its the meds but my sugars have crept back up to 7.7 this morning and 9.9 after tea without the med.i already altered my diet an awful lot to keep carbs down as much as possible and cut out all yes all puddings and sweet things
ive been offered the SR version of metformin which i needed to start today but i wanted 1 more day frefrom the runs so start in morning to see if it make any difference..im scared though that it wont help
i been on metformin about 7months now and from the start had nausea and diarrhea.the nausea wore of but not the runs.and since i got put up to a 2 a day Dec time i been so severe with diarrhea i cant leave the house,
my gp doesnt seem to listen to me and doesnt think the Metformin can be causing it and doesn tsem to want to offer anything else.maybe as i am also on other meds that push my sugars up and yrs ago i had heart problem but that has been treated and im ok at the moment but maybe he insists on the metformin as he thinks its best for me but i cant cope with this any longer
i stopped my meds over 48hrs ago and today is the first day for months that i havent had diarrhea and sever tummy ache.so im sure its the meds but my sugars have crept back up to 7.7 this morning and 9.9 after tea without the med.i already altered my diet an awful lot to keep carbs down as much as possible and cut out all yes all puddings and sweet things
ive been offered the SR version of metformin which i needed to start today but i wanted 1 more day frefrom the runs so start in morning to see if it make any difference..im scared though that it wont help
Sid Bonkers
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 3,976
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
- Dislikes
- Customer helplines that use recorded menus that promise to put me through to the right person but never do - and being ill. Oh, and did I mention customer helplines :)
Hi Manxie and welcome to the forum, I saw your other post and then this one so thought I'd throw my two pennyworth in here
Despite what both your doctors have told you, Metformin very definitely can and does cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea as you will have seen if you have read this thread through, in fact there are threads on the forum almost daily where someone says they are suffering these problems.
I am lucky in that I suffer very few problems with metformin but the consensus of opinion here is that the SR version can help some people and that it seems a good idea to take Metformin with meals, even in the middle of meals so some food is already in your gut when you take it.
Your levels are still a bit high but you may be able to help yourself if you follow the advise given by Sue in your other thread, that same advise has helped 100's if not 1000's of people here including myself
Take care and good luck
Despite what both your doctors have told you, Metformin very definitely can and does cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea as you will have seen if you have read this thread through, in fact there are threads on the forum almost daily where someone says they are suffering these problems.
I am lucky in that I suffer very few problems with metformin but the consensus of opinion here is that the SR version can help some people and that it seems a good idea to take Metformin with meals, even in the middle of meals so some food is already in your gut when you take it.
Your levels are still a bit high but you may be able to help yourself if you follow the advise given by Sue in your other thread, that same advise has helped 100's if not 1000's of people here including myself
Take care and good luck
Thank you Sid
yes i have read the threads here about Metformin wish I had known sooner and saved myself so mcuh suffering.Still havent started the SR Gluchophage as im just enjoying being stomach ache free so much but really need to get on them i think
I am indeed following a low carb diet and all the advice from sue and on this forum is very helpful.am hoping when i lose enough weight i may not even need the meds.my parents are not over weight but still need meds but they do not follow a diet at all and eat all sorts not good for them.i really want to stick with the metformin or i ned to change to another practise where they will listen to me and change my meds if the SR dont help
when i was first diagnosed my fasting reading was 11s and after foods up to 19 so it has come down a lot but not sure how much is the diet or how much has been the metformin
oh and im afraid i did already try the meds with and in betwen food that made it better for sure but i still had severe problems..only time i was sort of ok was at the start and i only had half a tablet twice a day
yes i have read the threads here about Metformin wish I had known sooner and saved myself so mcuh suffering.Still havent started the SR Gluchophage as im just enjoying being stomach ache free so much but really need to get on them i think
I am indeed following a low carb diet and all the advice from sue and on this forum is very helpful.am hoping when i lose enough weight i may not even need the meds.my parents are not over weight but still need meds but they do not follow a diet at all and eat all sorts not good for them.i really want to stick with the metformin or i ned to change to another practise where they will listen to me and change my meds if the SR dont help
when i was first diagnosed my fasting reading was 11s and after foods up to 19 so it has come down a lot but not sure how much is the diet or how much has been the metformin
oh and im afraid i did already try the meds with and in betwen food that made it better for sure but i still had severe problems..only time i was sort of ok was at the start and i only had half a tablet twice a day
I found all stomach problems ceased when I went on to slow release Metformin. It has made life so much easier. Going out on a ramble without having to plan the route around pubs with toilets in case of emergencies has made a huge difference to my life. After diagnosis just over a year ago (T2) I am still getting to grips with low carb thanks to this site. At first I followed the DN advice of carbs at every meal! No wonder my readings were all over the place.
Metformin
Hi,
I have Gestational Diabetes, however, I thought this question was better placed in this section.
I have been placed on Metformin (500mg once a day with evening meal) to try and bring down my morning fasting levels. I wanted to find out from those of you on it - how long does it take to work? I started on Thursday but have seen no difference as yet. Does it take a few weeks?
Many thanks
Hi,
I have Gestational Diabetes, however, I thought this question was better placed in this section.
I have been placed on Metformin (500mg once a day with evening meal) to try and bring down my morning fasting levels. I wanted to find out from those of you on it - how long does it take to work? I started on Thursday but have seen no difference as yet. Does it take a few weeks?
Many thanks
Metformin needs to be taken in unison with diet and exercise changes. How long it takes to work can be different for each individual. It should start working from the time you take it and will build up over time, however if your diet is such that it overwhelms the Met then it may take a while. In any case even on the max dose it will only decrease levels on average between 1 - 2 mmol/l. It isn't an instant fix like Insulin........
When I started on it I have no idea how long it actually took to work as I changed my diet as well, so not sure what caused the biggest changes.
Here is a link to Metformin information :
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=12124#p112411
When I started on it I have no idea how long it actually took to work as I changed my diet as well, so not sure what caused the biggest changes.
Here is a link to Metformin information :
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=12124#p112411
Metformin dose
Metformin has never lowered my blood sugar but I ake 2gms per day. I understand that it is for its cardiovascular protective effect but I wonder if a smaller dose would be just as effective for thisthe purpose.
I remeber reading somewhere that there is no evidence that there is no evidence that a higher dose of glimepiride ,for example is any more effective than a lower. I think he metformin was only raised initially in an attempt to lower the BG.
Unfortunately any queries about my medication are greeted by the GP's in my practice with a sort of wildeyed terror and a redommendaion o discuss it wih the DSN. Unfortunately she only "does" insulin!
Any info please so I can broach the subject on my next visit. I am trying o reduce my meds but obviously don't want to stop aking anythig which is actually doing me some good. I don't want to stop taking it altogether but would just like to know if I would get the same protection from a reduced dose.
Metformin has never lowered my blood sugar but I ake 2gms per day. I understand that it is for its cardiovascular protective effect but I wonder if a smaller dose would be just as effective for thisthe purpose.
I remeber reading somewhere that there is no evidence that there is no evidence that a higher dose of glimepiride ,for example is any more effective than a lower. I think he metformin was only raised initially in an attempt to lower the BG.
Unfortunately any queries about my medication are greeted by the GP's in my practice with a sort of wildeyed terror and a redommendaion o discuss it wih the DSN. Unfortunately she only "does" insulin!
Any info please so I can broach the subject on my next visit. I am trying o reduce my meds but obviously don't want to stop aking anythig which is actually doing me some good. I don't want to stop taking it altogether but would just like to know if I would get the same protection from a reduced dose.
METFORMIN
Hi,
I was prescribed 4 Metformin per day, 2 with brkfst, 1 with lunch, 1 with dinner. My Hba1c test have gone down to 6.1 on the last 2 tests.
However, in the past two months I just noticed that my repeat prescriptions says 2 Metformin with brkfst, and 2 with eve meal. No one told me this had changed, so I asked my chemist if it made any difference, they said it had been that way for the previous month.
I continue to take 2 in morning, 1 at lunch, 1 at eve meal.
Can anyone tell me if taking 2 am and 2 pm will cause any effects or not?
Many thanks,
Fly Fisher
Hi,
I was prescribed 4 Metformin per day, 2 with brkfst, 1 with lunch, 1 with dinner. My Hba1c test have gone down to 6.1 on the last 2 tests.
However, in the past two months I just noticed that my repeat prescriptions says 2 Metformin with brkfst, and 2 with eve meal. No one told me this had changed, so I asked my chemist if it made any difference, they said it had been that way for the previous month.
I continue to take 2 in morning, 1 at lunch, 1 at eve meal.
Can anyone tell me if taking 2 am and 2 pm will cause any effects or not?
Many thanks,
Fly Fisher
