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Hi there, I have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I've started taking metformin but have had some tummy issues, so have now been put on linogliptin, which I have not started yet, as I am worried about side effects.
Not sure whether to persevere again with metformin.
I'm also hypothyroid, and on statins for cholesterol.
HI @Lisaloo, how long were you on Metformin for? There is also a slow release version which is easier on the tum apparently. I had bad side effects with my tummy for the first couple of weeks, then again when the dose was increased, but after that it settled down. Having said that, there are quite a few people on this forum who can't tolerate metformin, even in the slow release version. I guess I've just been lucky.
Afraid I don't know anything about linogliptin but hopefully there will be someone along soon who has some knowledge.
As said some people do find their stomach settles with the metformin. The linagliptin encourages the pancreas to make more insulin so the risk is that blood glucose may go too low if you don't eat enough carbohydrates but if you have been prescribed that you should also have been given a blood glucose monitor and prescribed test strips to check your levels.
A bit more information about your diagnosis and what your HbA1C is will help people make some appropriate comments.
What side effects are you particularly worried about?
I was very ill taking Metformin and Atorvastatin, so stopped them - it was just before Christmas 2016 and by the time there were appointments available at the surgery I could see that I did not need one, my levels were normalizing.
I was only eating 50 gm of carbs a day at that time, which I knew was good for me having done Atkins in the past, so I just waited for my next blood test, which showed I was no longer diabetic. Low carb is very effective in restoring normal levels. It usually alters things for type twos very quickly - so much so that if it doesn't the diagnosis might be wrong.
I have a failed thyroid too - but over the past few months I have had to reduce my Thyroxine as it seems to be reviving, which I am told is very unusual.
I felt unwell when taking standard Metformin, but was changed to a slow release tablet Sukkarto SR twice a day which was no problem at all. Also I was unwell with the statin tablet they subscribed, but a doctor suggested Pravastatin Sodium 10 mg which also gave me no bad side effects. I must say I found the first type of tablet I was on, Gliclazide 40 mg, very effective but they wanted me off it because apparently it can easily take you to Hypoglycaemia.
HI @Lisaloo, how long were you on Metformin for? There is also a slow release version which is easier on the tum apparently. I had bad side effects with my tummy for the first couple of weeks, then again when the dose was increased, but after that it settled down. Having said that, there are quite a few people on this forum who can't tolerate metformin, even in the slow release version. I guess I've just been lucky.
Afraid I don't know anything about linogliptin but hopefully there will be someone along soon who has some knowledge.
As said some people do find their stomach settles with the metformin. The linagliptin encourages the pancreas to make more insulin so the risk is that blood glucose may go too low if you don't eat enough carbohydrates but if you have been prescribed that you should also have been given a blood glucose monitor and prescribed test strips to check your levels.
A bit more information about your diagnosis and what your HbA1C is will help people make some appropriate comments.
What side effects are you particularly worried about?
Hi, thanks for reply.
My Hba1c is 58 at the moment, and it has only been 2 weeks of taking metformin, so not been taking it for long. But gp said to change to linogliptin, due to tummy issues. I've not been given anything with it.
I also take simvastatin, with no problems and have non alcoholic fatty liver. I am also hypothyroid and when I eventually got diagnosed with it, 15 years ago, my cholesterol was 11 !!
Hi, thanks for reply.
My Hba1c is 58 at the moment, and it has only been 2 weeks of taking metformin, so not been taking it for long. But gp said to change to linogliptin, due to tummy issues. I've not been given anything with it.
I also take simvastatin, with no problems and have non alcoholic fatty liver. I am also hypothyroid and when I eventually got diagnosed with it, 15 years ago, my cholesterol was 11 !!
An HbA1C of 58 mmol/mol isn't desperately high and many GP would give people the opportunity to bring it down with some dietary changes before being put on medication.
Many people find a low carbohydrate dietary approach successful and that would be less than 130g TOTAL carbs per day.
In any event even with meds diet is an important part of the equation.
If you would like to post the sort of meals you have people may be able to suggest where some savings can be made.
Hi
When I was first diagnosed my HbA1c was 57 and I was given the option of reducing my glucose level by diet and exercise changes. I went on a low carb diet and started going to aquafit 3 times a week. Within 3 months my HbA1c fell to 48. I also have high cholesterol (no medication) and hypertension (3 medications). Then I was ill and my HbA1c shot up, but that's another story. I'm now on medication but reducing slowly. Lifestyle changes will have to be for life with me.
Hi there, I have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I've started taking metformin but have had some tummy issues, so have now been put on linogliptin, which I have not started yet, as I am worried about side effects.
Not sure whether to persevere again with metformin.
I'm also hypothyroid, and on statins for cholesterol.
Search a book by Dr. Michael Mosley the 800 calorie a day diet, follow that for six to eight weeks then be very careful with your diet there after. My doctor advised against it said there was not enough evidence, bear in mind doctors make their money by you being ill and a diabetic on their books is a cash cow for them.
Sorry to hear you had some tummy troubles with Metfartin - it’s not all that uncommon, though some people find it ends up being fairly short-lived for them once their dose and digestion settles down.
Hope you find the Linogliptin suits you better and helps support your metabolism in balancing your BGs. As others have said, finding the right balance between your diet and any meds you find beneficial is really important, and discovering the right level of total carbohydrate intake (not just ‘of which sugars’) can be really helpful.
I’m not sure I share @Fishing247 ’s rather bleak opinion of healthcare professionals - indeed one could even argue that people with diabetes are quite expensive to keep on the ole practice prescribing budget. I’m not sure there are any financial incentives for a GP surgery to keep people unwell, and there are plenty of others needing care and looking after without needing us lot!
Sorry to hear you had some tummy troubles with Metfartin - it’s not all that uncommon, though some people find it ends up being fairly short-lived for them once their dose and digestion settles down.
Hope you find the Linogliptin suits you better and helps support your metabolism in balancing your BGs. As others have said, finding the right balance between your diet and any meds you find beneficial is really important, and discovering the right level of total carbohydrate intake (not just ‘of which sugars’) can be really helpful.
I’m not sure I share @Fishing247 ’s rather bleak opinion of healthcare professionals - indeed one could even argue that people with diabetes are quite expensive to keep on the ole practice prescribing budget. I’m not sure there are any financial incentives for a GP surgery to keep people unwell, and there are plenty of others needing care and looking after without needing us lot!
