Metformin and Stomach issues

[Shan86]

My doctor put me on metformin a month ago to hopefully lower my sugar levels (with insulin I have LADA) and I have had stomach issues ever since. I dont see her again for another 2 months but wondering do the stomach issues get better? Do I need to learn to live with them?
Are there other medications without the side effects?
So many questions!

 

[chaoticcar]

If you are not on the SR or ER metformin maybe you could get a telephone consultation and ask if you can have this it is much kinder on the stomach Also taking the tablet in the middle of a meal can help
Carol

 

[rebrascora]

Did the doctor give an indication why they felt that Metformin might be helpful? Does it appear that you are insulin resistant?
Which insulin's are you using and what sort of dosage?
Are you under the GP for your care or a diabetes specialist clinic?

How many Metformin are you taking and when do you take them ie before food, mid meal, after food etc.? The dosage should be increased gradually with Metformin to allow the body to get used to it.
How bad is the digestive upset?
Usually it settles after a couple of weeks with perhaps odd twinges after that. As others have said, there is a slow/modified release version which can be kinder on the digestive system, but I would be wondering whether you are on an appropriate insulin regime to enable you to manage your levels effectively rather than a mixed insulin which is quite restrictive in how it can be used to control levels. As a LADA, you have the right to be on a basal/bolus system. Metformin is unlikely to make any significant difference to your levels unless you are insulin resistant., so you may be taking it unnecessarily and having digestive upset for no benefit.

 

[ChrissieMM]

When I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and prescribed Metformin, my brother recommended that I take a daily probiotic. Someone had recommended this to him after he was diagnosed and prescribed Metformin and he found it had got rid of his stomach upset problems. I took a combined vitamin and probiotic tablet each day and I had no stomach problems. Worth a try??

 

[DaveB]

Hi Metformin SR normally solves Metformin problems. As another poster has said, Metformin isn't commonly prescribed with insulin as it only ever has small effect and insulin gives the best overall control. I do take Metformin with insulin but that was largely to keep my DN happy (Met has other protective effects). So don't expect much from the Metformin and do get it changed to the SR version or stop it. Yes, if you are on mixed insulin consider asking for the Basal/Bolus regime. It means more injections but much better control and is the NICE recommended regime.

 

[Shan86]

Did the doctor give an indication why they felt that Metformin might be helpful? Does it appear that you are insulin resistant?
Which insulin's are you using and what sort of dosage?
Are you under the GP for your care or a diabetes specialist clinic?

How many Metformin are you taking and when do you take them ie before food, mid meal, after food etc.? The dosage should be increased gradually with Metformin to allow the body to get used to it.
How bad is the digestive upset?
Usually it settles after a couple of weeks with perhaps odd twinges after that. As others have said, there is a slow/modified release version which can be kinder on the digestive system, but I would be wondering whether you are on an appropriate insulin regime to enable you to manage your levels effectively rather than a mixed insulin which is quite restrictive in how it can be used to control levels. As a LADA, you have the right to be on a basal/bolus system. Metformin is unlikely to make any significant difference to your levels unless you are insulin resistant., so you may be taking it unnecessarily and having digestive upset for no benefit.

My fasting were a bit high so she decided to try metformin as well as insulin she thinks I have insulin resistance.
I take novorapid with meals and Lantus at night. I need to learn to carb count that would probably help.

The stomach issues is in my opinion pretty bad. I throw up regularly and have other digestive issues constantly.

I currently live abroad so I am followed by an endocrinologist here.