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Reduction in Metformin Dosage and trend

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pkumar

Well-Known Member
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51
Hi,

I do random FBG at home to forecast HBA1C when due. Recently, DR was OK to reduce metformin dosage from 2000mg/day to 1000mg/day. Im following LCHF diet plan as much as I can.

As you see in 3rd row, my recent average of FBG has increased from 5.8 to 6.0. Increase seems to have started after dosage was reduced. Do you think it would be due to reduction in metformin dosage. I read somewhere in the form that reduction in metformind dosage causes increase in FBG for some time and then settles down.

Would like to hear your insights.
upload_2021-9-7_12-50-21.png

Thank you for pointers

Kumar
 

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pkumar said:
Hi,

I do random FBG at home to forecast HBA1C when due. Recently, DR was OK to reduce metformin dosage from 2000mg/day to 1000mg/day. Im following LCHF diet plan as much as I can.

As you see in 3rd row, my recent average of FBG has increased from 5.8 to 6.0. Increase seems to have started after dosage was reduced. Do you think it would be due to reduction in metformin dosage. I read somewhere in the form that reduction in metformind dosage causes increase in FBG for some time and then settles down.

Would like to hear your insights.
View attachment 51047

Thank you for pointers

Kumar
Click to expand...

I think your records show that metformin is not a big deal. If you are on insulin or take glyclazides, for example, you might be able to increase one of those a tad. In my case, it would be an advantage to spare the kidneys.
 
Erin said:
I think your records show that metformin is not a big deal. If you are on insulin or take glyclazides, for example, you might be able to increase one of those a tad. In my case, it would be an advantage to spare the kidneys.
Click to expand...
Thank you, only taking metformin
 
I notice that you only have 17 readings for this recent (higher) average. The smaller the number of readings the more likely they are to be influenced by 1 or 2 extraordinary results. In any case a difference of 0.2 doesn't seem like much (well within the accuracy range of the test strips).

For me, Fasting Blood Glucose (before Breakfast) is quite variable and so not always a good indicator. I find that it is the rise in BG from meals that matters most - from just before first bite to 2hrs afterwards.
 
Yes it can settle down so worth persevering.
Did you reduce it because of it's side effects?
Are you using a fatty protein to block any liver release through your sleeping period? As this can reduce your hba1c even more. Metformin does it instead but maybe in a smaller amount now you've reduced it.
 
ickihun said:
Yes it can settle down so worth persevering.
Did you reduce it because of it's side effects?
Are you using a fatty protein to block any liver release through your sleeping period? As this can reduce your hba1c even more. Metformin does it instead but maybe in a smaller amount now you've reduced it.
Click to expand...

Thank you for response.
I did not reduce due to side effects. Infact did not have any side effects during course of medication.
I asked Dr if dosage can be reduced now that HBA1C gone down from 6.2 to 5.7
Not sure what is Fatty protein. Can you please share what it is. Is it good to have prior to sleep?

Thanks
Kumar
 
Metformin prevents your liver releasing glucose, or inhibits it normal activities which is how I see it.
Your early morning readings could be changing to what is normal, releasing the glucose in case you need to travel a distance to find food, or chase down something tasty is normal - and it gets you, and your liver ready for the day ahead.
 
Through the lens of hindsight I now believe Metformin is overrated. I did notice a slight rise in fasting glucose when reducing my doses to zero but nothing too concerning. On its own it’s next to useless, in my opinion. It’s ok as an adjunct to dietary changes but the dietary changes alone will be of far more benefit than the drug. If people are happy to take it then of course that’s fine, and it does have its place, but for anyone wishing to get off it, my advice would be to take the plunge and roll commando with the diet. Personally I found it liberating.
 
pkumar said:
Thank you for response.
I did not reduce due to side effects. Infact did not have any side effects during course of medication.
I asked Dr if dosage can be reduced now that HBA1C gone down from 6.2 to 5.7
Not sure what is Fatty protein. Can you please share what it is. Is it good to have prior to sleep?

Thanks
Kumar
Click to expand...
A fatty protein can be cheese, pork scratchings, egg mayonnaise or streaky bacon.
I have nuts or cheese before bed instead of more metformin.
 
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