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METFORMIN

Annb

Annb

Expert
Messages
9,842
Location
Western Isles, Scotland
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
I was put onto Prolonged release Metformin about 4 years ago along with Victoza - before that I was on Actos but I had ballooned up to 16 stone and my diabetes was not under control. At the time the dietician told me that I wouldn't be able to lose the weight and would just have to accept it. Well - I did lose 2 1/2 stone over the course of 6 months, but got stuck at that. The Metformin causes diahorrea - still, after all this time, but nobody seems to have any idea what I can do about this. Whether it's this, or some other factor that causes me to be weak and tired all the time, I don't know. I was in hospital for a colonoscopy a week ago where they put me onto a glucose/insulin drip and took me off the metformin - the first time my blood sugar has been within the desired range for years - and I felt so much better without it. I had to stay off it for a while because I also had a CAT scan and was told to check that my kidneys hadn't suffered any damage from the dye they used before going back onto the Metformin. Well - I went back onto it on Thursday and immediately my problems started up again. I do understand that many medicines have side effects and that my problems are just that, but I don't suppose I'm going to get any more used to the medication now, after all this time. Does anyone know if there is any alternative to Metformin that I could ask my doctor about next week when I see her?
 
You are obviously doing well with whatever food you eat, because otherwise you would not be losing the weight. I was prescribed Metformin in March and took it back to the pharmacy. It was my wake up call for me to get to grips with a healthier diet, I have dropped 1st 6lbs since then. Meds are ok I suppose but today Metformin then what? It has got to be more and stronger meds Its up to you but as you said your bloods normalised without it. And you are in control of your diet.
 
Opalshards said:
You are obviously doing well with whatever food you eat, because otherwise you would not be losing the weight. I was prescribed Metformin in March and took it back to the pharmacy. It was my wake up call for me to get to grips with a healthier diet, I have dropped 1st 6lbs since then. Meds are ok I suppose but today Metformin then what? It has got to be more and stronger meds Its up to you but as you said your bloods normalised without it. And you are in control of your diet.
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I hear what you are saying Opalshards, but it doesn't have to be 'take Metformin' or 'have a healthy diet'. You can do both at the same time. I controlled my BG's for 3 years without Metformin, but didn't manage to lose much weight. I am hoping Metformin will help me to lose more so that eventually I can be drug free and lighter and therefore more healthy . We just need to use drugs sensibly and not use them as an excuse to continue to have an unhealthy lifestyle.
 
Yes @zand but I am not just talking about weight loss, what I am saying is do we really need to take drugs. I am sorry but for Type 2s it has to be a slippery slope of more and stronger meds.
 
In respect of medication then each person is different. One Type 2 person can control this by diet alone, but others like me, have to take medication. I started on Metformin 17 years ago, I am now on Metformin, insulin and other meds. Then again I have other medical problems which caused the Type 2 in the first place. Each to their own.

As for taking Metformin and the original post - is it the slow release version you are taking? There are plenty of drugs out there for Type 2's - it doesn't have to be Metformin. If you need to lose weight there is Victoza or Forxiga - which also bring down blood sugars.

I would speak to your DSN or Dr and discuss your options.
 
Opalshards said:
Yes @zand but I am not just talking about weight loss, what I am saying is do we really need to take drugs. I am sorry but for Type 2s it has to be a slippery slope of more and stronger meds.
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For me it was a vicious spiral, I am diabetic because I am fat and I am fat because I have insulin resistance. I need something to turn the spiral the other way, so that I lose weight and become less insulin resistant, and lose more weight ......I don't believe it has to be a slippery slope, although you are right all too often it is. I am doing all the things you are, with diet and exercise, but having Metformin also. My ultimate aim is to be totally drug free. I am down to 3 drugs now (was 6).
 
zand said:
For me it was a vicious spiral, I am diabetic because I am fat and I am fat because I have insulin resistance. I need something to turn the spiral the other way, so that I lose weight and become less insulin resistant, and lose more weight ......I don't believe it has to be a slippery slope, although you are right all too often it is. I am doing all the things you are, with diet and exercise, but having Metformin also. My ultimate aim is to be totally drug free. I am down to 3 drugs now (was 6).
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I am not advocating that everyone should ditch there drugs, just to make informed choices. Its my life and my choice.
 
Opalshards said:

I am not advocating that everyone should ditch there drugs, just to make informed choices. Its my life and my choice.
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Yes I agree with you wholeheartedly. You have made the same choice I did 3 years ago, there is no way I am arguing with that.
 
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