Hello all - Just diagnosed with type 2

[Big G Man]

Hey all, I'm Goz

Yep - I'm another person who enjoyed life a bit too much and have been told that I am showing symptoms of type 2. This year more specifically with swelling in my feet. Awkward when you have some sexy adidas trainers you want to wear! LOL.

I do have a question that I am hoping you guys can help me with as I am sure someone is experiencing something similar to me. I have started a prescription of Metformin (1 a day for now moving to 2 a day in a weeks time), and the Metformin is playing havok with my stomach (cramps and loose stomach) making things quite uncomfortable. But also worrying. I take slow release tablets for my epilepsy. My worry is I might 'lose' them down the loo, so to speak, putting me at risk of seizure. I don't know if I am being paranoid and I will be talking to the pharmacy/Dr in the coming working week - but I was wondering what else others have experienced and does it get any better on Metformin?

Regards
G

 

[Leadinglights]

Hey all, I'm Goz

Yep - I'm another person who enjoyed life a bit too much and have been told that I am showing symptoms of type 2. This year more specifically with swelling in my feet. Awkward when you have some sexy adidas trainers you want to wear! LOL.

I do have a question that I am hoping you guys can help me with as I am sure someone is experiencing something similar to me. I have started a prescription of Metformin (1 a day for now moving to 2 a day in a weeks time), and the Metformin is playing havok with my stomach (cramps and loose stomach) making things quite uncomfortable. But also worrying. I take slow release tablets for my epilepsy. My worry is I might 'lose' them down the loo, so to speak, putting me at risk of seizure. I don't know if I am being paranoid and I will be talking to the pharmacy/Dr in the coming working week - but I was wondering what else others have experienced and does it get any better on Metformin?

Regards
G

The symptoms you are experiencing are not uncommon when first starting on metformin, taking with food is supposed to help and the stomach settles but I would ask for the slow release version as it is supposed to be tolerated better. Important in your case as it might impact on your other medication.
I would speak to your GP asap as it will only be them that can change the medication not the pharmacist.
Also mention your swollen ankles.

 

[Big G Man]

Hiya, thanks for the response.
I literally saw the Dr a week ago now and the swollen ankles etc were all discussed. It was a face to face session that lasted more than 10min which is rare these days. My diabetes nurse is really good too. I think the slow release metformin might be a better choice and one I will enquire about.
My chemist said they were gonna call me a week into having my initial prescription of metformin the discuss and advise - but if there is a slow release one I will definitely enquire about it. I'm only on day 4 atm so be speaking to them this week.

 

[ianf0ster]

Dr David Unwin has to take many of his T2 diabetes patients off their water retention tablets and Blood Pressure tablets once they eating Low Carb to control their diabetes. He has a 50% T2 remission rate in the patients at his Southport GP practice saving over £50,000 per year in drugs deprescribed!
Eating less carbs has a greater effect in lowering Blood Glucose than Metformin does - it's worth a try for the Blood Glucose and swollen ankles even if you find you can manage the Extended Release Metformin.

 

[Big G Man]

Dr David Unwin has to take many of his T2 diabetes patients off their water retention tablets and Blood Pressure tablets once they eating Low Carb to control their diabetes. He has a 50% T2 remission rate in the patients at his Southport GP practice saving over £50,000 per year in drugs deprescribed!
Eating less carbs has a greater effect in lowering Blood Glucose than Metformin does - it's worth a try for the Blood Glucose and swollen ankles even if you find you can manage the Extended Release Metformin.

Thank you for this. Learning more every day. I can't continue on these metformin. Today has been a nightmare

 

[Drummer]

Thank you for this. Learning more every day. I can't continue on these metformin. Today has been a nightmare

I had the same thing - one tablet of Metformin a day and it was trying to turn me inside out.
I was on a stain too, and the combined effects were dreadful. I threw them away just before Christmas 2016, stuck to the low carb diet and was fine in 6 months. Normal blood glucose levels from a few weeks after diagnosis, normal Hba1c from 6 months later.
I am a lot thinner, lighter, and my need for Thyroxine has reduced from 200 micrograms to 125 daily.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Gozza

Sorry to hear about your reaction to metformin

It isn’t all that uncommon, though some find their gastric upheaval settles down in a week or two, and they are fine after that. Some find that they need alternatives though, and still others can find very effective management by moderating their carb intake with or without meds.

Hope you find a balance of menu and meds that work for you.

 

[Big G Man]

Hi all
Thanks for your kind words and guidance. I consulted a GP (eventually - you know how high demand they are these days), and he prescribed me slow release metformin which my body has had no problems with. Day 1 was a little unsettled but day 2 was easier. Its day 3 and already my sugar counts after meals are down. I am gonna continue to make more effort diet and exercise-wise but it's positive that at least the pills have started me in the right direction.