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NHS Direct doctor says... NO testing when taking Metformin
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<blockquote data-quote="NWCub76" data-source="post: 865667" data-attributes="member: 186419"><p>In my experience, your current blood sugar problems need medical attention, as the metformin is obviously not working so well for you.</p><p></p><p>Metformin works in 3 key ways - 1) it reduces the amount of sugar produced by cells in the liver, 2) it makes your muscle cells more sensitive to the insulin in your body, and 3) it delays the absorption of sugar from the intestines into the blood stream.</p><p>It is important to take metformin just before,with or immediately after food. Taking it with food not only helps it to work much better, it also reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.</p><p>If metformin, diet and exercise are not working for you, the next step could be increase your metformin dose, or to add in another medication such as gliclazide.</p><p>If you have problems also controlling your weight, you may be suitable for a medication called liraglutide, which is a once-a-day injection.</p><p></p><p>So my advice, as well as eating breakfast with your metformin (or leaving your fist dose until you do actually eat something) I would suggest you make an appointment to see your GP or even better, your specialist Diabetes Nurse.</p><p></p><p>On the subject of self testing your blood glucose, I believe every diabetic should be given access to a free meter, testing strips and lancets. When I was first diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 27, I was told I needed to test four times each day to begin with, so I could build up a picture of what was happening with my blood sugars in relation to the food I was eating, exercise taken, etc. So I started a "Diabetes Diary" whereby I recorded all food and exercise I took along with the times taken. I was also referred to a dietician, who advised me to replace white bread, rice and pasta with the brown or wholegrain varieties, as well as reduce my carbohydrate intake and increase my protein intake. After a short time (about 4 months) I had a good idea of what to eat, when to exercise, etc..., and reduced my BMs to once daily and continued to do so for many years until I became insulin dependant 4 years ago.</p><p></p><p>I know these days there are many different camps regarding dietary advice for diabetics, and things have changed quite a bit in the 12 years since my diagnosis. But it is important to try different approaches, whilst continuing to self monitor, and find the dietary advice that suits you.</p><p></p><p>Anyway, get in to see your GP. Ask him or her for a referral to a specialist Diabetes Nurse, and take it from there.</p><p></p><p>Best of wishes with your health.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="NWCub76, post: 865667, member: 186419"] In my experience, your current blood sugar problems need medical attention, as the metformin is obviously not working so well for you. Metformin works in 3 key ways - 1) it reduces the amount of sugar produced by cells in the liver, 2) it makes your muscle cells more sensitive to the insulin in your body, and 3) it delays the absorption of sugar from the intestines into the blood stream. It is important to take metformin just before,with or immediately after food. Taking it with food not only helps it to work much better, it also reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. If metformin, diet and exercise are not working for you, the next step could be increase your metformin dose, or to add in another medication such as gliclazide. If you have problems also controlling your weight, you may be suitable for a medication called liraglutide, which is a once-a-day injection. So my advice, as well as eating breakfast with your metformin (or leaving your fist dose until you do actually eat something) I would suggest you make an appointment to see your GP or even better, your specialist Diabetes Nurse. On the subject of self testing your blood glucose, I believe every diabetic should be given access to a free meter, testing strips and lancets. When I was first diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 27, I was told I needed to test four times each day to begin with, so I could build up a picture of what was happening with my blood sugars in relation to the food I was eating, exercise taken, etc. So I started a "Diabetes Diary" whereby I recorded all food and exercise I took along with the times taken. I was also referred to a dietician, who advised me to replace white bread, rice and pasta with the brown or wholegrain varieties, as well as reduce my carbohydrate intake and increase my protein intake. After a short time (about 4 months) I had a good idea of what to eat, when to exercise, etc..., and reduced my BMs to once daily and continued to do so for many years until I became insulin dependant 4 years ago. I know these days there are many different camps regarding dietary advice for diabetics, and things have changed quite a bit in the 12 years since my diagnosis. But it is important to try different approaches, whilst continuing to self monitor, and find the dietary advice that suits you. Anyway, get in to see your GP. Ask him or her for a referral to a specialist Diabetes Nurse, and take it from there. Best of wishes with your health. [/QUOTE]
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