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Feeling a bit down today

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
B

Billychick

Active Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I was diagnosed on 11 Jan and have been on med since then, just feel a bit low today, not sure why. I went to the GP's last week, she checked my BP, which was high as was my heart rate, which did come down. I mentioned to her that the Metformin (take 1000 twice a day - just the standard release) is giving me diarrhoea most days, which I know is a side effect, was told to leave it another week and then she would change it to the slow release.

I really want to try and stick with the ones I am on, but I feel so low and wish the diarrhoea would go away - is 4 weeks a long time to have it? - I am an anxious person by nature and am waiting to get some counselling. Sorry to go on, just wanted some helpful advise from all you lovely people.

Meds:
2 x 1000 Metformin per day,
1 x 10mg Avorstatin per day
1 x 10 mg Amlodipine+ 1 x 2.5 Rampril for BP per day
1 x 2.5, x Bisoprolol (Beta Blocker) per day
 
Welcome to the forum Billy 🙂 No need to apologise, you have come to the right place! There are many lovely people on here who will be able to share their knowledge and expertise with you.
 
Sorry to here. I would change my diet. Have a look on Google to see what's good for diet. Good luck BC🙂
 
Hi Billychick ~ Metfartin (as we call it here!) does have unpleasant side effects unfortunately. However, there is a Slow Release Metformin ~ why not ask your GP to change your med to the SR?

I started on Metformin with with disastrous side effects which left me housebound & my GP switched it to Sukkarto SR. I stuck with this for about 4wks but still the side effects continued. I took myself off that med and the diarrhorea stopped. I did inform my GP during my next appointment and he was happy for me to manage my diabetes with Diet & Exercise only. It took me about 16 months but I've lowered my HbA1c from 53mmol/ to 32mmol/ which is none diabetic category. It's hard work but my daily waking bgls (blood glucose levels) are usually in the upper 5's ~ lower 6's ~ with an elevation of about 2mml post meals.

Of course what works for one may not work for another ~ it takes perseverance and determination ~ so best you seek advice from your GP. As often said here, diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint. I hope your GP will be understanding of your situation, take care x
WL

Dx Type2 April 2016
Diet control and exercise only
 
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@Billychick
Hi Welcome to the forum it is a good place to be even though the reasons for being here are not so good.
It is not the end of the world and it is more than possible to lead a normal health life with a few lifestyle changes.Post any questions you may have and I mean any. No question is a stupid question.
Look at your diet that is the first place to start.
Most of us here follow a low carb diet and if you look at the thread Food Carbs Queries + Recipes there is a lot of guidance that is invaluable.
There is a very good overview of T2 and I know @Northerner will perhaps give you more details and the link.
You will be fine.
I view my T2 as an inconvenience and we have to be optimistic and positive about the way forward.
Good luck, keep posting and remember the forum is here to help you, use it.
 
Billychick said:
I was diagnosed on 11 Jan and have been on med since then, just feel a bit low today, not sure why. I went to the GP's last week, she checked my BP, which was high as was my heart rate, which did come down. I mentioned to her that the Metformin (take 1000 twice a day - just the standard release) is giving me diarrhoea most days, which I know is a side effect, was told to leave it another week and then she would change it to the slow release.

I really want to try and stick with the ones I am on, but I feel so low and wish the diarrhoea would go away - is 4 weeks a long time to have it? - I am an anxious person by nature and am waiting to get some counselling. Sorry to go on, just wanted some helpful advise from all you lovely people.

Meds:
2 x 1000 Metformin per day,
1 x 10mg Avorstatin per day
1 x 10 mg Amlodipine+ 1 x 2.5 Rampril for BP per day
1 x 2.5, x Bisoprolol (Beta Blocker) per day
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum. Plenty of helpful advice and support here. I had diarrhoea for the first 6 weeks taking metformin, but then it stopped almost overnight. Feel great now.
 
thanks @wirralass
I keep forgetting to bookmark it, now done 🙂
 
@wirralass
You also have some good advice about that book Carb Counting. I bought it after you gave me the info.
 
As an add on: Your low mood may be due to depression which often comes with Diabetes ~ mores the pity as if we havent enough to contend with!:( If it hangs around for much longer it would be worthy of a consult with your GP IMO ~ but I think once you begin to manage your Diabetes you may find you won't have as many lows ~ if at all. Easier said than done but do try not to worry unduly as it will impact your bgls.
WL
 
Thanks all. Just had a call from the Diabetic Clinic - and will attend a 6 week learning course, which will be really useful. Had a chat with them re the Metformin and was told that I went from 1,000 to 2,000 far too quickly, and that I should drop back to 1500 for a week if that does not help my tummy issues, then go to a 1000 for a week, if that does not work then ask for the slow release. I am so pleased that I asked the question, and that there are such lovely knowledged people out there to help. @Wiraless, I agree with you regarding the low mood, NOW the only way is up. Once again, thank you all for your help. BC😉😉
 
I've just seen this, @Billychick, welcome to the forum from me too. I hope you're feeling better now 🙂. Good advice here from lovely people, so do let us know how you get on with the course and the clinic.

I managed to give up Metfartin two years ago, so it can be done with a bit of effort! All the best to you.
 
Glad to be of help Billychick, that's what we're here for. I'm so pleased to read you are going to attend a six week Diabetes Education Programme where you will also meet other like people living with Diabetes.

To help you on your way I advocate the book CARB & CALORIE COUNTER (Amazon £10.49) www.amazon.co It has over 1700 coloured photos of a wide range of popular food & drink items. The carborhydrates ~ calorie ~ protein ~ fat ~ saturated fat ~ and fibre values are clearly displayed in colour-coded circles below each photo.

This highly visual approach makes it incredibly quick & easy to see the nutrient content of the food and drink we consume. This book is also a great support tool for carborhydrate counting in diabetes ~ weight management ~ portion control and general healthy eating.

Having all this information at your fingertips in an easy to understand format, will help give you better management over your Diabetes. A titbit of advice ~ steer clear of white flour ~ white bread ~ pasta ~ potatoes (2-3 new baby potatoes are ok) and all veggies that grow beneath the ground ~ rice and cereals.You may well ask "What the devil can I eat then?!) Believe it or not there are hundreds of healthy food options you can enjoy so please don't think you are going to starve! Help is here always.
Here are 2 links that will both surprise and assist you with food choices:~

https://forum.diabetes.org/boards/threads/food-carb-queries-recipes.4/

https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/what-did-you-eat-yesterday

Good luck and do please keep updating us as to how you are getting along. Remember, you are not alone as we will accompany you on your diabetes journey, take care x
 
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Hi Billychick.... welcome. I suffer with depression and was already on meds for that before they put me on Metformin... I noticed along with the diarrhoea/ heartburn/balance issues that my mood was also very low whilstbtaking it. I managed for three months then gave up ... have been put on SR metformin.... mood much better and balance even but upset tummy seems to have made a reappearance grrrr. This is all about a personal journey but the people on here are the best travelling companions. Good luck lovely.
 
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