Another newbie here

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Thintypetwo

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I was diagnosed as type 2 25 years ago and controlled it with diet and exercise until a few years ago.
Then put on metformin. I am interested in discussing side effects and efficiency of metformin in this forum.
 
Thintypetwo said:
I was diagnosed as type 2 25 years ago and controlled it with diet and exercise until a few years ago.
Then put on metformin. I am interested in discussing side effects and efficiency of metformin in this forum.
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum.
Metformin does have side effects in people where some find they suffer stomach issues but that usually settles down after a few weeks or when they have the slow release version. It helps the body use the insulin it produce more effectively and prevents the liver releasing glucose but diet is just as important.
Can I ask what your HbA1C was that you were prescribed metformin, the new guidelines are that for more mature people that HbA1C level should be more lenient and there should be a personalised target taking risk factors into consideration.
Metformin taken long term can affect Vitamin B12 levels so that should be checked regularly to see if B12 injections are needed.
Ideas have changed since you were diagnosed as to how powerful a low carb diet can be. Reducing carbs but making sure you have plenty of protein and healthy fats is successful for many. This link may give you some ideas for some tweaks you could make. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
 
Leadinglights said:
Welcome to the forum.
Metformin does have side effects in people where some find they suffer stomach issues but that usually settles down after a few weeks or when they have the slow release version. It helps the body use the insulin it produce more effectively and prevents the liver releasing glucose but diet is just as important.
Can I ask what your HbA1C was that you were prescribed metformin, the new guidelines are that for more mature people that HbA1C level should be more lenient and there should be a personalised target taking risk factors into consideration.
Metformin taken long term can affect Vitamin B12 levels so that should be checked regularly to see if B12 injections are needed.
Ideas have changed since you were diagnosed as to how powerful a low carb diet can be. Reducing carbs but making sure you have plenty of protein and healthy fats is successful for many. This link may give you some ideas for some tweaks you could make. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
Click to expand...
I have taken Metformin for 14 years and B12 has never been mentioned by DN. Perhaps it's ok or they don't bother. Probably the latter. Also what are the new guidelines and what she is mature?
 
Thank you for your reply.
I am nearly 80 yrs old now and my metformin was increased to 3 500mg tabs a day a few months ago because I was told my hba1c was too high! My doctor did not give me the value!
I then developed bad side effects which make life impossible with diahorea and depression and weight loss.
The doctor I saw about this suggested adding 150mg of glicazide per day and going down to 2tabs of metformin a day.
I stopped metformin completely and within a week felt like a new man on gliclazide.
However my doctor wanted me to still take 2 tabs of metformin as well.
When I did this, the bad side effects resurfaced and I am not taking it any longer.
At my age lifestyle is important and I am healthy and have a good appetite with glicazide only.
I am interested to know if there are others like me.
I am aware of the risks but so far my eyes, kidneys and liver are ok.
Incidentally since not taking metformin and just taking glicazide, I no longer need distance glasses and my short sight is much improved. This is very strange and I assume my lens have changed shape due to changes in blood sugar?
My wife is now much happier!
Any views are welcome from forum members.
 
snowball12 said:
I have taken Metformin for 14 years and B12 has never been mentioned by DN. Perhaps it's ok or they don't bother. Probably the latter. Also what are the new guidelines and what she is mature?
Click to expand...
The are NICE guidelines which appeared to have stemmed from some research on overprescribing medication for those over 70 or who are frail.
 
I take 2000mg of Metformin and 240mg Glicazide. My last hba1c was 68. I suffer depression anyway. I shall speak to my GP immediately
 
Thintypetwo said:
Thank you for your reply.
I am nearly 80 yrs old now and my metformin was increased to 3 500mg tabs a day a few months ago because I was told my hba1c was too high! My doctor did not give me the value!
I then developed bad side effects which make life impossible with diahorea and depression and weight loss.
The doctor I saw about this suggested adding 150mg of glicazide per day and going down to 2tabs of metformin a day.
I stopped metformin completely and within a week felt like a new man on gliclazide.
However my doctor wanted me to still take 2 tabs of metformin as well.
When I did this, the bad side effects resurfaced and I am not taking it any longer.
At my age lifestyle is important and I am healthy and have a good appetite with glicazide only.
I am interested to know if there are others like me.
I am aware of the risks but so far my eyes, kidneys and liver are ok.
Incidentally since not taking metformin and just taking glicazide, I no longer need distance glasses and my short sight is much improved. This is very strange and I assume my lens have changed shape due to changes in blood sugar?
My wife is now much happier!
Any views are welcome from forum members.
Click to expand...
Hi @Thintypetwo and welcome to the forum.
My views (as a 73yr old 'TOFI' Type 2 in diet only remission for nearly 4 yrs):

1. You have a right to know your actual HbA1C result. Since this is usually the basis for deciding upon the best T2 treatment.

2. Yes, there are some (as fair few) who can't tolerate metformin (even minimal dose or slow/extended release versions).

3. Vit B12 reduction is quite well known, though not get this problem.
metformin can commonly reduce vitamin B12 levels in patients, which may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. the risk of low vitamin B12 levels increases with higher metformin dose, longer treatment duration, and in patients with risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency.20 Jun 2022
https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-upda...ce vitamin,factors for vitamin B12 deficiency

Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels - GOV.UK​


What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?​

Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:

  • Weak muscles
  • Numb or tingling feeling in hands and feet
  • Trouble walking
  • Nausea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Irritability
  • Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
  • Diarrhea
  • Smooth and tender tongue
  • Fast heart rate

Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?​

Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia include:

  • A family history of the disease
  • Having part or all of your stomach or intestine removed
  • Autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes
  • Crohn's disease
  • HIV
  • Some medicines
  • Strict vegetarian diets
  • Being an older adult
4. Depending upon HbA1C, diet alone (such as Low Carb) or a single medication (such as Metformin) may well control T2Diabetes. Gliclazide is a more powerful Blood Glucose reduction medicine than Metformin.

5. It's well known that changes in Blood Glucose levels do affect the eyes, so when going Low Carb i was advised that should my sight start changing, I should hold off on getting expensive glasses with a new prescription until after my BG had stabilised.
 
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