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Type 2 Metformin
- Thread starter woodgnome
- Start Date
Hi there,
I'm now on week 11 of taking Metformin, and the question I'd ask in return is what noticeable effect you're hoping it will have?
For example, Metformin alone isn't going to make that big a difference to your daily blood sugar levels/readings... Even after months, let alone days.
My own levels have come down dramatically over the last two months... but I walk 4 or 5 miles a day now and have probably shaved about 1kg plus of carbs from my weekly intake.
Have you changed your diet and exercise routine over those 5 days? If so, I'd imagine you'll start to notice a difference sooner rather than later
Hi @woodgnome Most newbies have not been told or learnt that for the majority of Diabetes medications (with notable exception of insulin) a single medication has less effect than a reduction in carbohydrates does. e.g. eating eggs (no bread etc) for Breakfast rather than Breakfast Cereal or Toast etc.
The other big thing that the NHS doesn't tell them is that Fruit Juice shouldn't be considered as one of your '5 a Day', but as a sugary drink like a sports drink or a Cola, just with extra vitamins.
The other big thing that the NHS doesn't tell them is that Fruit Juice shouldn't be considered as one of your '5 a Day', but as a sugary drink like a sports drink or a Cola, just with extra vitamins.
Metformin has little/no effect on blood glucose rises from meals. It's main action is to reduce the tendency of the liver to dump glucose into the bloodstream. So it can help with Dawn Phenomenon etc.
Robbity
Expert
I was prescribed metformin when I was first diagnosed with T2 and took it for several years. When my GP decided that I could manage without it, I never saw any difference in results. What did have an affect on my glucose levels was eatig a low carb diet from the start thanks to same GP suggesting the Atkins diet for weight loss! This also reduced my HbA1cs from 60-61 on diagnosis to a pre-diabetic level of 47 at my first check up 3 months later.
( I'd actually been T2 for a few months before a diabtic acquaintance suggested using a meter for testing, and thanks to Google also discovered our forum..)
( I'd actually been T2 for a few months before a diabtic acquaintance suggested using a meter for testing, and thanks to Google also discovered our forum..)
JoKalsbeek
Expert
Don't expect miracles... It doesn't do much of anything about what you eat, just makes you a smidgen more insulin sensitive than you are, and makes the liver dump less glucose. It doesn't really help you process carbohydrates normally. Best bet for change would be to cut carbs, really, if a quick change in blood sugars is what you're after.
woodgnome
Member
Was diagnosed when I was 69(8years ago) but reversed it as I started running again & became quite fit. However when I stopped running due to inflamation injury & eventually stopped altogether. Then gradually my Blood Sugars started to rise & have been as high as 20 but have now reduced to 8.6 pre evening meal. So hopefully doing something right
coby
Well-Known Member
I have taken it since 2016 when diagnosed but it was reduced from three per day to just one and that was many years ago now. My GP wished me to stay on the one tablet as she said that it protects the heart?
