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Increased Metformin Issues

T

TerryP

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi, I have had my Metformin increased 500mg one in the morning and one at night increased to two in the morning and two at night. I struggled with it with some chest pain and general yuckiness so I dropped myself back down to one and one and I felt ok again. However my DB Nurse increase me again and I'm getting the same issues, so it seems that I have a bit of an intolerance at the hight levels. My 2 questions are;' 1. Am I alone in this or have other had this issue, and 2. If I can't tolerate the higher dose what are the likely next steps to get my numbers down. My HbA1C number is 63 and I'm on Gliclazide as well.

Thanks
 
Have you stepped straight up from 2 to 4 a day, rather than going up to 3 for a week or two and then 4?
Chest pain seems a bit odd unless it is heartburn/indigestion? Taking them with a substantial amount of food is important, I found mid meal best, so eat half my meal and then take them and then eat the rest.

Are you using the standard Metformin or the Slow/Modified release version?

What dietary changes have you made as they are probably more important than the medication to manage your diabetes?
Do you test your levels with a home Blood Glucose (BG) meter?
 
I went from 1 to 4 in four weeks. 1 to 2 bunged me up and 3 to 4 loosened everything. I was only on 4 for 3 days before being put on an SGLT2 which my HCP said had some of the functions of metformin. He therefore reduced me to 2. I have on occasions had diarrhea since but dont know if medication is causing it. I've not had watery diarrhea and it is spasmodic so am ignoring it. My reading was 58 when put on SGLT2 in September and 44 in December. I've not had chest pain. I am on slow release but dont know if that would alter your reaction. Check if it is slow release and if not ask to try it.
I've not had glicazide but know from forum it is often used. Are you recently diagnosed and are your numbers reducing? Do you have heart problems?
Less carbs and moving more helped me. I was unhappy taking the SGLT2 because I wanted to try lower carb ( not keto) and it appeared my carbs needed to be kept up and of course I eat too many.

You need to find out if slow release available - the packet will have SR on it. Ask if you can try it. Find out from nurse why she thinks 4 metformin plus glicozade is best combination for you.

I would be tempted to see if you can tolerate 3 tablets. Keep a diary of food eaten exercise and how you feel then tackle her. There are people on the forum who have chosen to tackle the diagnosis with diet and exercise but medication with most people lowers blood glucose quicker.
Do you do any testing?
 
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