Metformin Tolerance or Change?

[Cloudlesssky]

I was just wondering how others have coped with Metformin.
I did the usual gradual introducing over a period of a few weeks, but struggled with the last increase to 4 tablets a day.

To put "me" into context, I had an emergency admission to hospital in 2010 with pancreatitis which resulted in having my gall bladder removed 10 months later.
I have had no trouble with this since, but the nurse did wonder if this had been what had kick started the diabetes .... not that is matters because I have it now and so the "why" is less important to me.

However, after being on the full Metformin dose for a couple of weeks I (don't read on if you're squeamish!) developed the need to visit the loo at least half a dozen times a day in somewhat of a hurry! It was very much like have a nasty bug without any of the pain or stomach cramps!

After 5 days of not going too far from home (!) I stopped my evening Metformin completely and next day my stomach was virtually back to normal.
I tried then taking one Metformin in the evening and two in the morning, which is better, but one alternate evenings is better still!

Sorry to go on, nearly finished!

What I was wondering is, as my glucose levels have gone down well since September, do you think I should persevere with the Metformin or, as I am still around 9 do you think I should ask about slow release Met, which seems to be better tolerated by some people?

Thank you for getting to the end of my ramble, and for your thoughts

Bee Gee

 

[Lazybones]

Not everyone is able to tolerate Metformin, but from what you have said you do seem able to adjust to it given sufficient time. It might be worth asking for the SR version and seeing how you get on with it as many diabetics find it easier to tolerate. The NHS don't usually dish it out unless you ask for it as it costs a little more than the standard Metformin Tablets.
Having give it a good try out, should things still present you with a problem then there are other diabetic medications that your Dr might consider.
If you can adjust to Metformin it has many proven advantages particularly as a first line diabetic medication for Type 2 diabetes, so give it a fair trial before ruling it out. Some individuals are known to take many weeks, sometimes months before things finally settle down. did with me and I worked myself through every known side effect in the process.
Best of luck - Lazybones

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Yes, do ask for Metformin SR (Slow Release) and it should resolve your problems. If it doesn't and you are not overweight I would give up on the Metformin as it only helps a bit anyway with blood sugar. Do keep the carbs down anyway

 

[Jeffretro80s]

there are natural foods that to a better job than Metformin to lower BS, i eat half a piece of ampalaya aka bitter melon a day and it has no side fx, metformin is just chemicals that do not help the body to get healthier (hence you have to take them for years till youre on insulin) thats why its a much better and healthier choice to take the natural path.

do research on the fruit ampalaya and see what it does for diabetics (somethung doctors wont ever tell of course)

 

[picketech]

For starters, Metformin doesn't like high blood sugars, so if you bring your blood sugars in line then Metformin won't bother you. I did it by not eating any product that had a food label on it, and limiting my carbs to 100grams a day. You can eat as much meat (fat), cheese and fresh vegetables as you wish. If you get hungry between meals, eat a slice of hard cheese and some nuts. Cut out milk if you can (high in carbs) no grains, potatoes or rice of any sort. If you eat grains, then eat to your meter...test before meal, 1 hour after meal and 2 hours after meal. If your bs is still high after 2 hours, then that particular grain is no good for you!. No processed foods whatsoever. Do some research on a LCHF Diet, and you won't regret it ever.

 

[Cloudlesssky]

Thanks Picketech.
My blood sugars are down to about 9 now, which as you can see from below, is a real improvement.
I am learning about the LCHF diet from everyone's comments and will give it a try!
Thanks again,
Bee Gee