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hi I am new to the group

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ggrice0208

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
was told by my gp I have type 2 diabetes on Tuesday
taken the tablets for the first time last night and today my stomach is really hurting
 
Last edited:
Hiya! What was the result of the blood test (HbA1c test) that resulted is your diagnosis? and, what tablets have you been prescribed? plus, what other advice have you been given, what's planned for you?
 
hi
thanks for reply
my blood test was 16 and my gp gave metformin tablets 2 to be taken before evening meals
I took my first two yesterday and today I have really bad stomach cramps have to do a great blood test in three weeks
 
Hi and welcome.

Starting on 2 Metformin straight off can be too much for many people. I was started on 1 for the first week and then increased it to 2 and so on until I was up to full dose of 4 at week 4, so your GP maybe being a bit keen in starting you on 2. You can either persevere for a few days and see how you go, or contact your GP or nurse and explain the problem and ask to drop it down to just one, or, if it is really difficult getting to speak to someone at your surgery, make an executive decision yourself (it is your body after all) and reduce it to 1 and see how you get on at that for a week?

Often the digestive upset settles down after a few days or maybe a week or two, but obviously, if it is affecting your quality of life to the point you daren't leave the house, then that is no good.

It is really important to take Metformin with food and I found it best to swallow it mid meal with a substantial amount of food.

Good luck and let us know how you get on. It is important to understand that you will also need to make some lifestyle changes as well as the medication in order to manage your diabetes. There are two main options....

1.Weight loss, however you can manage that but many people have success with the Newcastle/Fast 800 diet which is a short term 8-12 week very low CALORIE diet.... 800cals a day, usually via meal replacement shakes.

2. A Low CARBohydrate approach where you restrict the foods which spike your blood glucose level. Diabetes is not just about sugar, but all carbohydrates which break down in our digestive system to release glucose. So whilst sugar and biscuits and cakes and sweets are the obvious things to cut down on first, it is important to also reduce the amount of other carbs like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, breakfast cereals and even fruit. If it helps to get an understanding of it, a medium slice of wholemeal bread releases the same amount of glucose into your blood stream as 3 teaspoons of sugar, so your average sandwich is the equivalent of 6 teaspoons of sugar.... which is a bit mind boggling but I think gets the idea across. Not saying don't eat bread or pasta or potatoes, but try halving your portion size and having more meat/fish/salad/veg/pasta sauce, curry etc. Personally I now eat chilli and curry without rice, just the tasty meat in sauce, but I have extra vegetable side dishes with it..... or you can get Konjak noodles or rice which are pretty well zero carb, but you do have to rinse them thoroughly before heating as they come in a pouch of preservative.
 
Hi
thanks so much for your advice I will try one tablet for the first week then two
I am aware I need to change my lifestyle and eating habits and I'm working on that now cutting out fizzy drinks and sugar
Really Appreciate your time thank you
 
Welcome to the forum, the wobbly stomach is a common issue when starting on metformin so reducing to 1 to see if it improves is a good idea.
There is no need to cut fizzy drinks as long as they are the diet version but certainly cutting out sugar and things like cakes, biscuits and sugary drinks including fruit juice and reducing portions of other high carb foods
This link may help you with an explanation of what managing Type 2 diabetes is all about and give you some menu ideas.
https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
It is a low carb approach but that does not mean NO carbs.
 
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