Hi, newbie here

[Crocovitch]

Hi,

I have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and to be honest I'm completely overwhelmed by information. I have just started on metformin and really struggling with the side effects. Has anyone else had the same problem and if so how long did they last before wearing off for you?

 

[Kaylz]

Many struggle to tolerate it, there is a slow release version that people seem to tolerate better if its not that your already on but many can't tolerate it all xx

 

[Crocovitch]

Hi.

Thank you for replying. I'm only on 1 tablet a day so I'm guessing its the slow release one. I will try and continue for a while longer. My doctors haven't really given me any information other than to come on this website to research lol

 

[Kaylz]

Not necessarily, I believe they usually start you on a low dose and increase if need be to try and limit the side effects, your box or patient information leaflet should state which version they are, my MIL is one that couldn't tolerate them at all so had to stop them xx

 

[Tim Aylesbury]

Hi Crocovitch,

The regular Metformin and the slow release one are two seperate medications. As Kaylz has mentioned you normally start on a low dose and then build up as necessary. I have been type two since September 2014 and still on the regular metformin. Diabetes UK have local support groups, it many be worth looking on the Diabetes UK Website to find your local one as they can provide you with some support, in addition to taking medical advice from your Doctor to deal with the side effects of the medication.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Crocovitch

Hope the side effects of the Metfartin calm down for you soon.

I gather that some find it helps to take the tablet with a reasonably substantial meal, but not one which contains too much in the way of carbohydrate.

And yes, slower release ‘SR’ versions seem gentler on the tum

 

[Lucyr]

How long have you been taking the metformin and when are you taking it? Have you tried after meals if taking it before meals? If the side effects don’t improve in a couple of weeks then speak to your GP again as there is a slow release version that you can be changed to if you don’t get on with the standard version.

 

[Crocovitch]

How long have you been taking the metformin and when are you taking it? Have you tried after meals if taking it before meals? If the side effects don’t improve in a couple of weeks then speak to your GP again as there is a slow release version that you can be changed to if you don’t get on with the standard version.

Hi,

I have been been taking it for just over a week now. I have tried before my evening meal and also after to see it it makes any difference but unfortunately not.

Thank you to everyone for your help and support, I will make a call to my doctors and see what they say

 

[trophywench]

I know a lot of people say it takes 2-3 weeks for the side effects to lessen and likely to be about the same each time you increase the dose until you reach whatever amount does the trick for you.

 

[Drummer]

I took ordinary Metformin for over a month and the effects were dreadful.
I was also taking Atorvastatin and the combined effects were devastating.
After I decided to stop taking them rather than try to live with the side effects at the 3 month test I was no longer diabetic and at 6 months was at the top end of normal.
I only needed to eat a low carb diet to be in remission.

 

[Crocovitch]

I took ordinary Metformin for over a month and the effects were dreadful.
I was also taking Atorvastatin and the combined effects were devastating.
After I decided to stop taking them rather than try to live with the side effects at the 3 month test I was no longer diabetic and at 6 months was at the top end of normal.
I only needed to eat a low carb diet to be in remission.

Wow that's amazing!! There is hope then!! Congratulations.

 

[Drummer]

Wow that's amazing!! There is hope then!! Congratulations.

Oh there are many people who have restored normality by eating low carb, I am nothing special - and if I had stuck to what I know - that I have never been able to deal with carbs I might never have lost the 24 inch waist I used to have - or at least not ended up practically spherical as I did at diagnosis.
I have few concerns about minor injuries - other than watching them like a hawk, but I find that being about normal, I heal normally too - which is such a relief.