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Confused

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Lisa69jp

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Just been diagnosed with type 2
I work 3 different shift patterns
6.45 am to 3.15pm
2.45pm to 11.15pm
Then every 5 weeks I have to work 5 night shifts 10.45pm to 07.15am which is down to staff shortage I'm just getting really anxious how do I manage this taking metformin and eating patterns n sleeping ?????
 
If you can cope with the side effects of Metformin you really don't need to worry about the timing, just take it as instructed, with food.
Some people find they have no trouble at all, it tried to turn me inside out and I stopped taking it and the Atorvastatin too.
 
I'm being tested for type 1 too on the 28th may I'm on metformin and statins just concerned as the night shift turn me up side down can't eat feel sick with the change
 
Sorry to hear you are having trouble with your shift patterns @Lisa69jp

I think it can take a while for the body to adjust and adapt to the rhythm of an alternating shift pattern (my Dad worked shifts on a rolling pattern for years).

My understanding is that Metformin gradually builds up in the body over time, and soaks into your system. Which means that while it can be helpful to take it at the same time every day, there is flexibility. Each dose doesn’t really cover a specific meal or time period - it just keeps your level ‘topped up’.

Members here often say that Metformin is best taken with a reasonable-sized meal, but one which doesn’t contain too much carbohydrate. Do you get meal breaks on your shifts? Could you take in a low-ish carb meal perhaps?

Hopefully some of our other shift workers will be along with their hints and tips.
 
Lisa69jp said:
I'm being tested for type 1 too on the 28th may I'm on metformin and statins just concerned as the night shift turn me up side down can't eat feel sick with the change
Click to expand...
What has prompted the testing for type 1? If they think you have type 1 it would be dangerous to leave it so long on just metformin as type 1 must be treated with insulin. For the metformin I would just take it with your meals, whenever they are.
 
If you do ind that you are T1 @Lisa69jp you may find that the management fits more easily with shift patterns, as it is easier to eat what you want when you want providing they put you in a Basal/Bolus regime.
Let us know how the test later this month goes.
 
If you find that your levels start to rise, get help earlier. This is very important if you get some other infection as the insulin needs increase and if you are T1 the pancreas may well just stop. Watch the levels.
 
My dad and 2 brothers all had type 1 and got it later on in life so I think there doing it as a precaution
 
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