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Type 2 metformin

aggied

Member
Messages
8
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi ,
I could do with some advice.
My diabetes was out of control blood sugar levels at 19+ so I was given metformin which I could not take because it made me feel really ill.
I decided to try to control it by diet alone and reduced sugar levels to high fives and low sixes . My blood pressure is spot on but my diabetes nurse wants me to take metformin again and I can't understand why.
And if I do take metformin will it reduce blood sugar level too far ?
 
Hi ,
I could do with some advice.
My diabetes was out of control blood sugar levels at 19+ so I was given metformin which I could not take because it made me feel really ill.
I decided to try to control it by diet alone and reduced sugar levels to high fives and low sixes . My blood pressure is spot on but my diabetes nurse wants me to take metformin again and I can't understand why.
And if I do take metformin will it reduce blood sugar level too far ?

Firstly, to address your main question; Metformin only has a very modest impact on blood sugar levels. As you have found, the biggest impact we can all make is what we eat, or don't eat.

Whilst you might wonder why on earth anyone is prescribed Metformin if it only reduces bloods "a bit", it does help our bodies use the insulin we produce more effectively and it also can act as an appetite suppressant, so it is useful for folks carrying extra pounds. It does reduce the bloods "a bit", depending on individual sensitivity to it, and the dose taken, so there are other benefits in addition to directly reducing the blood scores.

Well done for getting your bloods down. Those numbers sound OK, but they aren't in any danger of being in the "too low" ranges, unless your scores vary enormously during the day, before and after you eat. Should you give Metformin another go, at least you are testing your bloods, so you would be able to measure any reduction the tablets help you achieve. I don't know if you carry any extra weight or if losing a bit might be helpful to your general health, but some people find that aspect a bit of a silver lining.

Did you only try standard Metformin, or did you also try the slow release version? These are usually called Metformin SR or Metformin MR (Slow and Modified respectively). Very many people find they tolerate these versions much better than the "ordinary" sort.

Just finally, I don't know what you have in your mind as being bloods that might be "too low"? For we T2s, taking wither no meds, or meds of the Metformin style, it is quite unusual to have hypoglycaemic attacks. Of coures, unusual doesn't mean it can't happen, but it is very unusual. I don't taken any meds at all, and using a reduced carbohydrates diet, my bloods routinely do run quite low. For me, it's just how my body works theses days. I feel extremely well, and an very unconcerned to see small numbers on my meter. They key is how you feel, as well as what your meter reads.

I hope that might have helped a bit, but hopefully others will come along and join in too.
 
Thanks everyone ,your replies have helped clarify things,think I will see if I can get s different type of metformin although I had hoped to avoid medication altogether .ALso as a point of interest when I discovered my blood sugar was 19+ I went on a low carb 800 calorie a day diet and lost 2stones and have to say I feel great.
Once again many thanks for your very helpful information.
 
If you are doing fine without it just tell her "no". Its your call so dont let her push you back onto meds if you are doing fine without them. Did you ask her the reason why she wanted you back on Metformin
 
Hi
thanks for reply my feelings exactly .nurse just said that what I had done has made a massive difference she was still concerned that bg could still rise I DON'T AGREE .
And you are right if I ain't broke why fix :)
 
Thanks for your info it really helps to see other points of view
 
Hi ,
I could do with some advice.
My diabetes was out of control blood sugar levels at 19+ so I was given metformin which I could not take because it made me feel really ill.
I decided to try to control it by diet alone and reduced sugar levels to high fives and low sixes . My blood pressure is spot on but my diabetes nurse wants me to take metformin again and I can't understand why.
And if I do take metformin will it reduce blood sugar level too far ?
I have had type 2 diabetes for over 20 years and I have managed it by taking medication. With our boring you with the past, I now take 2 gliclaside and 6 metformin per day and my levels are fine without any side effects.
I am lucky to have a diabetes specialist doctor and a specialist nurse in the practice that I attend who review me twice per year. I also take supplements which I am sure help.
At 70 years of age I am happy that my levels are OK and that I am well looked after by my GP pratice centre.
I am not trying to give advice, just sharing my experience
 
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