Prolonged Release Metformin Query

Having been on Metformin for the past 20 years which I took after breakfast and evening meal, I am now on the maximum dose of 2000mg but unfortunately, this gave me severe diarrhea, so my GP prescribed the Prolonged Release tablets which put a stop to it. However, nothing was said about when they should be taken but when I got the first prescription, it stated they should be taken twice daily with or after food. This was the same as my previous tablets, whereas the information sheet for the prolonged release ones state the whole dosage should be taken during or after my evening meal. The reason I query this is because I have noticed my SL's have increased by about 3mnol during the evening and especially first thing in the morning and I am wondering if any of you out there take the prolonged release tablets and can confirm whether they should be taken during they evening meal as per the manufacturers instructions or with each meal.

As a matter of interest, I took this up with my Chemist who did not know the answer, so much for professional advice!!

Thank you all for your response. Obviously your GPs have stipulated the varying times to take the pills, the same as mine but why would the manufacturers tell you to take them with your evening meal. Have any of you queried this with your GP?

Many thanks Hobs. I would imagine the GP's have their own agenda on this, so I shall continue taking the pills morning and evening until I take it up with my GP.

Many thanks Daibell and Kevin. It would seem that a split dose is the norm but I shall query this with my GP when I see him next, especially over why the manufacturers specify once a day. Lets hope one day they come up with a cure for this insidious disease!

Thanks for your reply Helena. If it is any consolation to you and your son, I was first diagnosed with T2 about 20 years or so but I am sure I was diabetic 20 years prior to that following a blood test. Unfortunately, my GP at the time mentioned I had a high SL but did not follow it up and not knowing the implications of high SL, I moved home and never gave it any further thought.

What I am trying to say is that I have probably been type 2 for over 40 years, half of which were without medication but I have been very healthy all that time and have had none of the horror stories you read about. All I have done is keep myself fit and have eaten sensibly and if your son does the same with medication of course, he should still lead a full and active life. Hope this helps!

Bernard