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First time on medication

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J

Jim b

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
After 12 years of controlling type 2 with exercise (I do guided walks in the North Pennines) my score went up from 38 to 78 in one year.I took 3 months of being extremely careful with sugar etc and on retest there was no change.
I have now been put onto metformin.
Worried about side effects and whether I can still enjoy an after walk pint with this drug.It did not come with any guidance leaflet so I will need to do my research and would welcome any advice.
 
Hi Jim, welcome to the forum 🙂 I don't have any personal experience of metformin, but from what I have read over the years it shouldn't prevent you from continuing to enjoy a pint or two 🙂 Did the nurse/doctor offer any explanation for the sudden rise in levels? Were there any changes going in in your life in the weeks leading up to being tested e.g. any significant changes to your diet, illnesses, stress, reduced activity levels? That does seem to be quite a dramatic rise. Do you test your blood sugar levels before and after eating to try and determine if there are elements of your diet that you might not be tolerating well? If you don't test, I'd suggest having a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S in order to understand how this is done.

Hopefully, others will be along soon to share their experiences with metformin. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have and we will be happy to help whenever we can 🙂
 
Hi Jim B
Here's a link to guidance leaflet it says avoid excessive alcohol intake but I think you still able to have your after walk pint, if you don't suffer the mostly gastro intestinal side effects of Metformin

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.594.pdf
 
Thanks for your prompt and helpful response.There have been no obvious lifestyle changes.I walk more than most and am a healthy weight.I have never personally checked sugar levels nor have I been advised to do so.
My results came at an annual medication review.
The Dr was running over an hour late and did not seem to want to prolong the chat so it went along the lines of "your doing most things right so take these tablets".
No suggestion about what to do next re reviews etc.
 
I’m on Metformin but unfortunately can’t help with the drinking questions as I’m on 2 other meds that I can’t drink with. :( But my understanding of Metformin is its ok to have alcohol as long as it’s not expensive amounts. Welcome to the forum @Jim b
 
Jim b said:
Thanks for your prompt and helpful response.There have been no obvious lifestyle changes.I walk more than most and am a healthy weight.I have never personally checked sugar levels nor have I been advised to do so.
My results came at an annual medication review.
The Dr was running over an hour late and did not seem to want to prolong the chat so it went along the lines of "your doing most things right so take these tablets".
No suggestion about what to do next re reviews etc.
Click to expand...
That's really not very helpful Jim :( It is worth testing for a period in order to assess your diet - logically, it's the only way to discover if your tolerance certain things has declined. If you can afford it, it's worth the investment - the cheapest option we have come across is the SD Codefree Meter which has test strips at around £8 for 50. I'd also recommend having a read of Maggie Davey's letter to see if there is anything you were unaware of 🙂
 
Are you watching carbohydrates as the body changes them into sugars..?
 
From experience, Metformin and Alcohol are fine.
 
Jim b said:
After 12 years of controlling type 2 with exercise (I do guided walks in the North Pennines) my score went up from 38 to 78 in one year.I took 3 months of being extremely careful with sugar etc and on retest there was no change.
I have now been put onto metformin.
Worried about side effects and whether I can still enjoy an after walk pint with this drug.It did not come with any guidance leaflet so I will need to do my research and would welcome any advice.
Click to expand...
Jim I used Metformin for a little over eighteen months...I have also tested regularly to keep a check on my diabetes management...
Jim b said:
Thanks for your prompt and helpful response.There have been no obvious lifestyle changes.I walk more than most and am a healthy weight.I have never personally checked sugar levels nor have I been advised to do so.
My results came at an annual medication review.
The Dr was running over an hour late and did not seem to want to prolong the chat so it went along the lines of "your doing most things right so take these tablets".
No suggestion about what to do next re reviews etc.
Click to expand...
I'm not surprised your GP didn't want to chat about the rise in your BGs or the need for Metformin...disappointed Jim but not surprised...it could be that your GP knows little about type2...my own GP admittedly knew very little although he assures me he learns a little more after each of my reviews...from 38 to 78 that's quite a dramatic rise...since you have never tested you will have little idea of when that rise began...or what may have possibly caused it...that is not a criticism...just a fact...I have tested regularly since my diagnosis...I have been able to identify what 'spikes' my BG what lowers it...it's been an absolute essential for me...the suggestion to test is sage advice you will be able to assess what is affecting your levels...you could test before & after a pint...that way you could be sure whether having the odd pint after walking is feasible...I have used Metformin for around 18 months...it can have a drastic effect on our digestive systems...however that normally passes after a week or two...the Metformin alone won't lower our BGs per se...it will make our liver/pancreas less sensitive...therefore hopefully stop them from pumping out too much excess glucose into our bloodstream...I would seriously give consideration to testing your blood sugars before & after eating in order to assess how you react to food...exercise & the odd pint...good luck.
 
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Ive not bern aware of any side effects with metformin.
 
Thank you all for your helpful amd friendly replies.My gp is noted as specialising in diabetic work amongst other things.It is a near impossibility to get an appointment with him.
I have been very careful over the last 3 months to avoid anything with obvious sugar so cakes biscuits etc.
I will take up the suggestion of doing my own testing and keep some sort of diary.
Once again many thanks
 
Jim, bear in mind that all carbs will raise your levels, so you also need to consider bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and any products made with flour. You don't need to give them all up, but testing will inform you what you tolerate well and what you might need to exclude or reduce portion sizes of 🙂
 
Jim b said:
Thank you all for your helpful amd friendly replies.My gp is noted as specialising in diabetic work amongst other things.It is a near impossibility to get an appointment with him.
I have been very careful over the last 3 months to avoid anything with obvious sugar so cakes biscuits etc.
I will take up the suggestion of doing my own testing and keep some sort of diary.
Once again many thanks
Click to expand...
Good luck Jim
 
A good walk in the fresh air is one of the best things to do. Well done to you Jim b. When I was a kid my parents took me up the Roman Wall for a bit exercise.😱😉
 
Jim - it's simply carbohydrates our bodies can't handle well - hence sugar is simply another carbohydrate since it's near enough 100% carb. Hence as Northie says - it's at least all 'starchy' carbs as well - but without testing before and after meals you won't know which ones you can tolerate, which ones you can just reduce a bit (and by how much) and which ones you need to completely give up - otherwise you won't have a clue which are the culprits.
 
Thanks Jenny I can see I am going to have to take a more serious approach to this.I will do a check after meals and also after a strenuous walk which must have an effect I think
 
I know metformin and alcohol is ok believe me, im not advocating a lot of Alcohol stay within Alcohol guide lines, giving you good avice wish i could follow it myself
 
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