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First question!

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Flakie

Flakie

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi. I've just introduced myself on the other place and now for my first question. I've got my head round the dx and being quite a practical person reckon I can cope with the changes in diet etc though it might take some time! Have just cooked up some brown pasta and rice to see what it tastes like. The rice wasn't so bad but not so sure about the pasta!
My question is about Metformin. I know it's the go to medication for diabetes and I understand that, but why when you're just diagnosed with such a potentially serious condition do they prescribe something that's quite possible going to affect you in such a negative way? I have to admit to being more freaked out about this than the actual condition. I started on it, just once a day, two weeks ago when I saw the doc, had a break for a couple of days as I got really bad muscle spasms and the leaflet said that was an uncommon side effect. (Could have been a coincidence I suppose). Then back on it for a few days and stopped again for two days as I had a bad day when I couldn't leave the house with the trots. Back on it now for four days and a bit of a blip this afternoon but not panicking yet. How have other new folk coped with this? Have you just persevered and it's got better? Is it acceptable to leave it off for a few days if you know you're going away or something?
Hope you'll excuse the nature of the post but I really want some experiences of this. Thanks.
 
Hi Flakie, metformin can be problematic to begin with, and some people suffer more than others. Generally, the symptoms subside as your body gets used to it, in around 2-3 weeks, but if you really find you can't tolerate it then ask for the slow-release version, as many people cope with this much better 🙂 I think the advice also is always to take it with some food. It works by reducing the amount of glucose absorbed by the gut and inhibiting the liver from releasing too much glucose of its own, so the overall effect should be a lowering of blood sugar levels. Often, people are not given the medication straight away after diagnosis, but given a period of 2-3 months to try and see if they can manage to reduce levels without it through adaptations to diet and activity levels, so you might ask if this is something you can try when you see the nurse. 🙂

I'd recommend reading Maggie Davey's letter and getting a copy of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Becker - these will help put you in the picture about diabetes and how to manage it well - the more you know and understand, the easier it will be. Diabetes is serious, but it can be managed very well with the right application, and you've already made a good start by joining here - it is a fountain of knowledge and a treasure trove of experience 😉
 
Thanks Northener. That's interesting that some people are not put on it straight away. The doctor and the nurse gave me the impression that if I didn't use it there would be dire consequences for me! Like I'd have to start using insulin or something. I would much rather try the diet and exercise route first so I will have a word with her on Thursday. I can see I'm going to get a lot of help here and I think I'm going to need it! :D
 
Hi Flake , welcome.
Ask as many questions as you need to, we’ll do our best to help.
If you prefer to use a sweetener in your tea or coffee they’re fine.
I didn’t reply on your other thread, eggs cooked anyway you like make a good quick brekkie.

We have some very innovative Cooks who put their recipes here
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/forums/recipes.21/

It may help if you check out what we eat on the, what did you eat yesterday thread
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/what-did-you-eat-yesterday.30349/

For future reference You’ll find the above and more on the , Food/carb queries and recipe forum.
It does come as a shock when you find out , but luckily Diabetes is a condition that with the right info , adapting ones diet and if able some exersize, you dont have to work up a sweat in the gym unless you want to, going for a walk helps a lot.
 
I wouldn't have either rice or pasta as they'd shoot me through the roof! How come you're having them both together? :D
 
Ditto said:
I wouldn't have either rice or pasta as they'd shoot me through the roof! How come you're having them both together? :D
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Sorry @Ditto . I’m a bit confused by this, I can’t see any reference to eating rice and pasta together here
 
Whether you go straight onto Metformin or Diet and Exercise will largely depend on your diagnosis HBA1c, do you know what your was?
When you take your Metformin can be important with stomach upsets, it should be taken with your meals,
You should also note that Metformin is not like Aspirin, there is not an immediate effect. Metformin will take as much as 3 weeks to build up to a steady level in your body.
 
Ljc said:
Sorry @Ditto . I’m a bit confused by this, I can’t see any reference to eating rice and pasta together here
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I must have been seeing things. Wouldn't be the first time. :D
 
Ditto said:
I must have been seeing things. Wouldn't be the first time. :D
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Sent you a pm, you weren’t seeing things it was me missing them 🙄
 
I was put on the maximum dose of metformin straight away at diagnosis, my Hba1c was 127, I am one of the lucky few and don't have any side effects from taking it.
 
Welcome to the forum, as already mentioned it's best to take metformin with food and normally they would introduce you to it slowly as to reduce the side effects. The slow release version is a lot kinder on ones system although it can still be windy city, though hopefully less of the other side effects.

If not already mentioned to you as you are on metformin you are entitled to free prescriptions, though you must apply for an exemption certificate, form is available from the GP practice and needs to be counter signed by a doctor.
 
The doctor told me that they were giving me metformin because it would have a fast effect on my insulin and help get my BG down quicker, so I think maybe it gets prescribed first because of that.

I've had a couple of really bad issues with the Metformin but for the most part i'm ok. I was supposed to go up to two in the evenings yesterday but I haven't yet as it made me so bad on Sunday. Maybe tonight...
 
Hi all. Sorry for the confusion over the rice and pasta - I bought both and did a sample of each for me and hubby to taste!
Have just got my hba1c results and it is 73mmol/mol. The doc has put on my online record that it's not bad for the first one. Would appreciate any comments on this as Ive no idea what it means! Thanks.
 
Flakie said:
Hi all. Sorry for the confusion over the rice and pasta - I bought both and did a sample of each for me and hubby to taste!
Have just got my hba1c results and it is 73mmol/mol. The doc has put on my online record that it's not bad for the first one. Would appreciate any comments on this as Ive no idea what it means! Thanks.
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Your doc is right, it’s not too bad for the first Hb1ac
I was much higher when I was dx (diagnosed) 115. I’m betting that you will have brought it down a lot by the time you have your next test.
42 to 47 is pre diabetes above that Diabetes.
Keep on asking questions, ok .
 
Flakie said:
Hi all. Sorry for the confusion over the rice and pasta - I bought both and did a sample of each for me and hubby to taste!
Have just got my hba1c results and it is 73mmol/mol. The doc has put on my online record that it's not bad for the first one. Would appreciate any comments on this as Ive no idea what it means! Thanks.
Click to expand...
Yes, I agree with Lin 🙂 There's a bit of work to be done, butnow that you have been diagnosed and ready to take action I think you will see your next test results much improved 🙂
 
Welcome to the forum. If you have problem with metformin I think it's better to talk to your GP, eventually taking a lesser dose three times da day JUST AFTER every meal.
If problems are persisting you can switch to slow release.
There are also other molecules that could help to manage blood sugar spikes but normally could have worse side effects.
Exercise and diet are paramount to help metformin to work better.
Remember that a lot of things you heard about diet in general and diet for diabetes are wrong or misunderstood.
#1 thing to rememberer that sugar isn't the only thing that raises blood sugar levels, all carboydrates do it, and starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, rice, bread pizza are problematic, especially the one made with highly refined flour like 00 flour, self rising or pastry flour.
Avoid gluten-free and lactose-free dairy products if they aren't naturally gluten free (hard and aged cheese are ok, lactose-free skimmed milk is not.
 
Mike, can I ask why you say the lactose free milk is not OK? Is it just the skimmed one or all of them? I was thinking of giving them a go because they ate slightly lower in carbs. Many thanks.

And Hello flakie, welcome to the club! Do you have any weight to lose as well? Or do you just need to concentrate on the blood glucose levels?
 
Hi Kentoldlady
Yes I do have weight to lose but I'm not fretting about that just yet as I want to get my head round what I can eat and what I can't. I see the nurse on Thursday and we haven't even got to the part about testing etc yet. It's early days but I am doing my research about food etc. Also I really dont seem to be getting on with the Metformin as I have had some tummy upsets and they have been sudden which I just can't handle. So I am going to ask if she can get the doc to let me try the SR version to see if that suits me better. My blood test result wasn't as high as expected so I'm hoping that if I change everything I can it will reduce.
Just seen the part about being 60 and can relate to that as I'm 61 and want to see my granddaughters grow up as well! :D
 
Kentoldlady said:
Mike, can I ask why you say the lactose free milk is not OK? Is it just the skimmed one or all of them? I was thinking of giving them a go because they ate slightly lower in carbs. Many thanks.
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Because its normally made adding lactase to milk that thransorm the lactose of the milk to glucose and galactose, making the sugar absorption faster. In the process the milk is also overheated and especially the skimmed milk get a "carbonized" taste. In my opinon it's better to get raw whole milk and drink less of it. Of course if one isn't lactose intolerant, but the raw whole milk has a more satisfyng taste.
You could try to some goat milk, has a stronger taste and has naturally a bit less of lactose.
 
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