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metformin

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staituk

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Hi, i am after some advice, i used to take 6 metformin a day 3 in the morning and three in the evening, i was on slow release. then my sugar levels went down and was ok, they reduced my metformin to two in the moring and 2 in he evening, and changed me to normal metformin,

but since then my sugar levels have went up, they are about 12.5 ish. and they have put me on 40mg of gliclazide too. but my sugar levels are still the same

it is like the gliclazide has had no effect.

my question is i wonder if my levels have went up since i changed from slow release to normal and if i should go back to slow release or if it makes not difference.

or if i should ask for my dosage of Gilclazide to be increased.

just find it strange that my levels was ok but have shot up since changed me to normal release from slow
 
I was on 3000 mg of metformin before my BS went up, and was put on 80 mg gliclazide and noticed an immediate effect. Later when I queried the dose of metformin it was reduced to 2000 mg. Don't know if a coincidence shortly after my BS spiked again and the gliclazde was increased to 160 mg by the doctors. I did this increase in a staged way first to 120 mg as I did not want unexpected hypos, then after a weekish I increased it to 160 mg.

Don't know if there is a difference in the 2 versions of metformin apart from the one is slow release and gentler on oneself.

Think you really need to speak to your doctor if the gliclazide needs to be increased. Watch out though if they do increase the gliclazide as it can and does cause hypos.

Have you got access to test strips on prescription? If not its worth asking for them as you will need to establish how low you are going and test before driving.
 
Hi. There should be no difference in effect between the two types of Met. Note that Met is better targeted at those with insulin resistance i.e. overweight whereas Glic is best targeted at those with a failing pancreas and who may be nearer normal weight. So a lot depends on what sort of T2 you are and what your BMI is. If the Glic isn't doing much and you are not overweight then your diabetes may be progressing. What was your last HBa1C? How old are you?
 
Hi. Thanks for the reply. It sounds like the highest priority is to review your diet to get the weight down. This will help reduce insulin resistance, reduce blood sugar and make it easier to prescribe the most effective meds. A good low-GI, low-carb diet will show whether your pancreas is also failing as well as having insulin resistance. Aim for less than 150 gm/day max carbs; less if you can. 12.5 mmol doesn't sound like an HBa1c reading? Is this your last meter reading?
 
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