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newbie question about metformin

S

susieplum

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Hi everyone - firstly can I say a huge thankyou to everyone here for all your advice - I've been lurking for a while but haven't posted much. But thanks to what I have read my blood sugars have gone from around 15 two hours after eating to low sevens sixes and even a couple of 5.8s! :D
But now I have a question about metformin. i was diagnosed T2 while in hospital with cellulitis. I was put on metformin 500 mg taken twice a day (1000 mg altogether) Within two days this dose was doubled - so I am now taking 2000 mg a day. I had no problems stomach wise until I had been on it for about 5 weeks - but the side effects now seem to be getting worse. Having a particularly bad day today - nausea, bloating, stomach cramps and running to the loo - if you know what i mean! :sick: i always take the tablets with food btw.

But I just had an idea - if my blood sugar levels have come down so well -could this dose of metformin be actually too much and that is what is causing the complications?
Just asking because I have to go to the doctor tomorrow and I don't want to ask that if it is a stupid question.

Any advice gratefully received.
Barbara
 
Hi. First if you are not on Metformin SR, the Slow Release version, then do ask your doctor to change your prescription to that; it will reduce or eliminate your stomach problems. If your Hba1C is well below 7.0 then may be you could have a reduced Metformin dose. It won't make a vast difference either way as diet is the main thing that controls a T2's blood sugar.
 
Thank you _ I think I will ask for the slow release version. I don't know about my HBa1C is - it might have been done in hospital but they didn't tell me the results if it was done.
 
If you ask your gp they will have your results on their records and like suggested go for the sr version should make you feel better.
 
thanks guys - today has been my worst day yet and I must admit to feeling quite disheartened tonight. Will definitely push for the SR type tomorrow.
 
susieplum said:
thanks guys - today has been my worst day yet and I must admit to feeling quite disheartened tonight. Will definitely push for the SR type tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Metformin is a very safe drug, but it can cause gastric problems, the SR should make a lot of difference for you. Good luck.
 
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