metformine warning

Tadek I think kidney issues are a well known side effect from Metformin which is why they regularly monitor via a full blood count each year to ensure they pick up on it quickly.

Sorry to hear you are having no luck of late.

Ali

Nobody told me about the connection between Metformin and kidneys. I already have CKD as a result of taking Quinine Sulphate for too long. Strikes me I would be better off taking nothing - thanks for the post

Metformin doesnt cause kidney disease, but it should be used with caution in people with reduced kidney function.

Dear WhitbyJet,

I was aware of the need to stop Metformin if I go below Stage 3 which is where I am at present. The post read as if I had
possibly been damaged by using Metformin.

With best wishes,

Rob

I was concerned about taking Metformin and it causing kidney problems which I discovered I had. I spoke to my doctor about this and he agreed that I should come off Metformin for that reason even though it was keeping my blood sugars well controlled. I was taking 3 a day 850 along with 3 Glimperid a day. He has now put me on another tab which I take, one in the morning, with 3 Glimperide as before but my sugars are all over the place and have not yet settled. I have to have another blood test to see if I need to go on insulin which I do not want to do, surely there has to be another tablet which will work as efficiently as the Metformin to put the BC right before I go on to insulin. Any ideas?

Phew! this is all beyond me - what is Stage 1,2,3, and how to I adapt my normal 6,4 blood count to the new numbering system?
My gp didnt give me any info and I have been looking but not on internet often.
Also can someone tell me the carb level of a french bucket size portion (600-750gms) of mussels in white wine & handful of chips??
I felt very full and was worried about my blood count but it seemed to be ok.
Many thanks

Hi LL
Not surprised you felt full! I would think mussels ok and I can get away with a few chips, so as long as it wasn't a bucket full of wine, it should be ok ! I'm guessing the large amount of protein keeps the carbs under control.

I would say, keep a note, try it again, and if it's still ok , it's ok!
Like you, I am confused between BG and HBa1c, but if it's ok with my doc, it's fine with me - diaabetic nurse is another matter, vary a lot, but the last one was good, so will try and keep to her in future. You do need someone you can trust at the surgery.

WhitbyJet said:

Metformin doesnt cause kidney disease, but it should be used with caution in people with reduced kidney disease.

Click to expand...

I agree with you WhitbyJet, Metformin is not usually prescribed to those with reduced kidney function but is not, as far as I am aware, thought to actually cause any reduction in kidney function.

All diabetics should be routinely tested for kidney function or the possibility of it through the regular blood tests we receive. If anyone is concerned about it then I would suggest they see their doctor :thumbup:

Dear Littlelin

Chronic Kidney Disease is measured on a 1-5 scale with 4-5 being the most serious often requiring dialysis. As the Stages are calculated using a personal formula (the factors being particular to you) you should ask your doctor to make the necessary calculation.

My advice is for you NOT to seek the formula on Google because one small incorrect entry figure will make the exercise useless.
Also, the resultant Grade should have depended upon your most recent Creatinine and other blood tests to allow an estimate of kidney function called the 'estimated glomerula filtation rate' (eGFR).

One of our members was Graded at Stage 4 during the last year with serious complications but she managed to recover and I believe
that she is on the right side of 3 now. However, take it from me - a high Creatinine reading (without satisfactory reason) is a very real reason to sit up and take notice. Additionally, swollen legs ankles and feet must be considered as an indicator of kidney disease.

Dear Littlelin

Chronic Kidney Disease is measured on a 1-5 scale with 4-5 being the most serious often requiring dialysis. As the Stages are calculated using a personal formula (the factors being particular to you) you should ask your doctor to make the necessary calculation.

My advice is for you NOT to seek the formula on Google because one small incorrect entry figure will make the exercise useless.
Also, the resultant Grade should have depended upon your most recent Creatinine and other blood tests to allow an estimate of kidney function called the 'estimated glomerula filtation rate' (eGFR).

One of our members was Graded at Stage 4 during the last year with serious complications but she managed to recover and I believe
that she is on the right side of 3 now. However, take it from me - a high Creatinine reading (without satisfactory reason) is a very real reason to sit up and take notice. Additionally, swollen legs ankles and feet must be considered as an indicator of kidney disease.